Automated license plate readers, known as Flock cameras, are being deployed by police departments throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Tarrant County, where at least 648 cameras have been identified. These devices capture images of license plates and gather details about vehicles, such as make, model, color, and additional features like bike racks or trailers.
Flock Safety, the company behind the technology, states that the cameras focus exclusively on vehicles and do not collect information about the individuals inside. They do not use facial recognition and are not intended for speed enforcement or traffic citations.
Data collected by these cameras is stored for a maximum of 30 days before it is automatically deleted. Access to this information is limited to police departments, which maintain control over who can search the database. Each search is logged, ensuring accountability. The information is not available in a public database, and police departments can set their own policies regarding data sharing with outside parties.
As the use of Flock cameras increases, drivers in Texas, including those in Aubrey, should be informed about their capabilities and the associated privacy and data retention policies.
Fort Worth is about 44 miles southwest of Aubrey.
