The ALPR Conundrum: Policing by Tech, With Checks and Balances

Police departments across America are increasingly relying on automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology to combat property crimes. However, a disturbing trend has emerged: several agencies that have touted the benefits of ALPRs have been accused of misusing these tools. In Georgia, four police departments – Savannah, Albany, Sandy Springs, and Baytown – face allegations of improper use.

Flock, the company behind this technology, has featured these agencies in promotional videos as exemplary users of its product. This highlights how quickly the narrative around ALPRs can shift from “crucial tool for fighting crime” to “potential conduit for abuse.” The details of these cases reveal that while accountability mechanisms are in place, they may not be enough to prevent misuse.

One aspect of this story is particularly disturbing: Flock’s own role in promoting its product. Although the company has pointed out that incidents of misbehavior shouldn’t tarnish its entire product line, it was Flock’s promotional materials that brought these agencies to light in the first place. For example, a 2024 video on Flock’s YouTube channel features an interview with Albany Police Department Chief Michael J. Persley, who touts the benefits of ALPRs in building trust between law enforcement and the community.

Meanwhile, five officers from the department were recently arrested and charged with misusing license plate data and violating their oaths of office. This incident raises questions about the vetting process for police personnel and the effectiveness of internal review processes. Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel emphasized that “accountability tools and internal review processes exist,” but it’s unclear whether these measures are sufficient to prevent such abuses.

The use of ALPRs has been expanding rapidly across the country, with many police departments seeing them as a crucial tool in their fight against property crimes. However, this trend is not without its risks. As more agencies adopt these technologies, there must be vigilance about ensuring that they are used responsibly and with proper oversight.

The situation in Georgia is concerning, given the number of allegations reported across multiple agencies. Similar cases have been reported in Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The question on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for the future of ALPRs?

To move forward, law enforcement agencies and technology providers like Flock must prioritize transparency and accountability. This means not only implementing robust oversight mechanisms but also acknowledging the risks associated with these powerful tools. By doing so, we can work towards creating a safer, more trustworthy relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The Flock Safety Audit Assistance Program is a step in the right direction. Introduced in April, this tool aims to continuously monitor system activity and surface search patterns that fall outside an agency’s typical usage. However, as the case of Savannah Police Department illustrates, even with such measures in place, misbehavior can still occur.

Ultimately, the ALPR conundrum raises fundamental questions about policing by technology and the role of accountability mechanisms. As we navigate this complex landscape, it’s essential that we prioritize not only effective law enforcement but also transparency, trust, and responsible use of powerful tools like ALPRs. The stakes are high – for both police departments and the communities they serve – and it’s time to get it right.

The question now is: what will come next in this unfolding drama? Will Flock take a more active role in preventing misuse, or will it continue to focus on promoting its product as a solution to crime-fighting woes? As we wait for answers, one thing is certain: the use of ALPRs will only continue to grow, and with it, the need for accountability and transparency. The future of policing by technology hangs precariously in the balance – and it’s essential that we get it right.