FLOCK TIGHTENS LICENSE PLATE SEARCH RULES

The policy change introduces stricter oversight of Flock's ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) system, which has become a standard surveillance tool across US police departments. The Washington Post investigation revealed dozens of officers exploited access to the database for personal reasons unrelated to legitimate investigations—including tracking ex-partners, conducting unauthorized searches, and monitoring specific vehicles without legal justification. Under the new requirement, officers must now document a criminal case number when conducting searches, creating an audit trail for department oversight. Flock stated the measure aims to prevent unauthorized queries and ensure searches remain tied to active investigations. The move reflects growing scrutiny of surveillance tools and their potential for abuse. Civil liberties advocates have long criticized license plate readers for enabling mass tracking with minimal accountability. While Flock's policy improves documentation, critics note it doesn't fundamentally restrict access or prevent misuse by motivated officers—only making violations easier to detect after the fact.