Over 5,000 U.S. Police Agencies Adopt Flock Safety's Drone License Plate Readers, Raising Privacy Concerns
Over 5,000 law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are using Flock Safety's license plate readers, with some even integrating them into drone technology. However, privacy advocates and tech companies like Axon and Motorola Solutions are raising concerns about the potential misuse of these systems.
Flock Safety, a specialist in license plate readers and gunshot detection, has built the largest fixed LPR network in America, processing billions of monthly plate reads. This data collection is expanding with the introduction of the Flock Safety Aerodome, a drone equipped with automated license plate readers. Police departments are increasingly adopting these technologies, with 81% of agencies having or pursuing a drone program.
However, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has called for restrictions on police use of drones and license plate readers. These systems can make mistakes, leading to wrongful stops and driver harassment. Moreover, Axon and Motorola Solutions, which also offer drone-based ALPR solutions, support the idea of 'drone as first responder', raising further questions about the balance between public safety and privacy.
As drone and license plate reader technology becomes more prevalent in policing, it is crucial to strike a balance between public safety and privacy. With billions of data points collected daily, and the potential for misuse, clear guidelines and oversight are needed to ensure these tools are used responsibly.
