Sarasota, FL – The Sarasota Police Department has partnered with Flock Safety, a company specializing in license plate recognition (LPR) technology, to enhance crime prevention and investigative efforts throughout the city. Flock Safety cameras are designed to capture still images and record data on passing vehicles, helping law enforcement track suspects, locate stolen cars, and aid in ongoing investigations.
What is Flock Safety?
Flock Safety is a surveillance technology company that provides automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) camerasto law enforcement agencies, businesses, and neighborhoods. These solar-powered cameras capture images of vehicles, recording their license plates, make, model, and unique identifying features. Unlike traditional traffic cameras, Flock’s cameras do not record video but instead use still images that can be stored for up to 30 days before deletion.
How is Sarasota Using Flock Cameras?
The Sarasota Police Department has implemented Flock cameras in strategic locations throughout the city. These cameras are used to:
- Identify stolen vehicles and wanted suspects in real time
- Assist in criminal investigations by tracking suspect movements
- Help locate missing persons and Amber Alert subjects
- Monitor traffic and public safety concerns
Flock Safety allows law enforcement to receive alerts when a vehicle linked to a crime, outstanding warrant, or missing person case enters the monitored area. The cameras can also receive hotlist notifications from national databases, such as those maintained by the FBI and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
How Much Does It Cost?
According to city records, the initial agreement between Sarasota PD and Flock Safety includes five Flock Falcon cameras at a cost of $2,500 per camera, plus a $250 installation fee per unit. The total cost for Year 1 amounts to $13,750, which includes both equipment and implementation costs. The city has signed a 24-month contract, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 24 months【583†source】.
Here is the original Flock agreement from 2021
20.12.15 FLOCK Services Agreement 2
Privacy and Legal Concerns
While Flock Safety promotes its technology as a tool for crime reduction, there are concerns about privacy, data retention, and potential misuse. Some key concerns include:
- Limited data retention: Flock automatically deletes captured images after 30 days, but law enforcement agencies must download and archive footage manually if needed for investigations.
- Public records implications: Under Florida Public Records Law, some of the collected data may be subject to public disclosure, raising questions about who has access to the footage and how it can be used.
- Potential misuse: Advocacy groups worry that such technology could be used for tracking individuals beyond criminal investigations, leading to civil liberties violations.
Accountability & Oversight
Flock Safety’s agreement with Sarasota states that the cameras must only be used for criminal investigations and cannot be employed for non-criminal tracking or surveillance. Additionally, access to the system is restricted to authorized law enforcement personnel, and all searches must be logged for transparency【582†source】.
The Future of Flock in Sarasota
With an initial 30-day pilot period included in the contract, Sarasota PD had the opportunity to cancel at no cost if the system did not meet expectations. However, the city opted to move forward with a full two-year implementation, indicating that Flock cameras have already provided valuable leads and assistance in law enforcement efforts.
As Sarasota continues to expand its public safety technology, residents and advocacy groups will likely monitor how Flock Safety is used, ensuring that the balance between security and privacy remains intact. For now, the system represents a modern approach to crime prevention, but its long-term impact remains to be seen.
