Release posted on 08-06-26 at 10:10 AM

There has been a great deal of discussion about Flock Safety cameras and how law enforcement uses them. We want to provide clear, factual information about what these cameras do, how they help keep our communities safer, and address some of the misinformation circulating on social media.

Flock cameras are a valuable investigative tool that helps law enforcement solve crimes, locate missing persons, and recover stolen vehicles. The St. Petersburg Police Department does not use the cameras to monitor people's daily activities or track where people go without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

What the Cameras Capture:

Flock cameras photograph vehicles, not people. The cameras are designed to identify vehicles not drivers or passengers. The system records information such as:

• License plate number and issuing state
• Vehicle make, model, body type, and color
• Whether a vehicle is missing a license plate
• Other distinguishing features of the vehicle
• Not faces

How the St. Petersburg Police Department Uses the Information

Authorized law enforcement personnel may access the system only for legitimate public safety purposes, including:

• Criminal investigations - Identifying or locating vehicles involved in crimes such as homicides, robberies, vehicle burglary patterns, hit-and-run crashes, as well as eliminating vehicles that are not connected to an investigation.
• Missing persons - Assisting in locating missing or endangered individuals.
• Real-time public safety alerts - Finding vehicles associated with AMBER Alerts, Silver Alerts, kidnappings, fleeing violent suspects, wrong-way drivers, or other active investigations when time is a factor.

Privacy and Accountability

The St. Petersburg Police Department takes the use of this technology seriously and has safeguards in place to protect privacy and ensure accountability. These safeguards may include:

• Flock retains video only for 30 days.
• Limiting system access to authorized personnel only.
• Requiring users to document the legitimate law enforcement reason for each search.
• Holding employees accountable through department policies, including disciplinary action for any misuse, including subject to termination and possible civil action.

*Flock has its own policies and procedures with its employees

Technology like Flock cameras is one of many tools that help law enforcement protect our communities. When used responsibly and with appropriate safeguards, it can provide critical information that helps solve crimes, recover stolen property, locate missing persons, and enhance public safety while respecting individual privacy.