The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, including Flock Safety cameras, raises important questions about privacy, appropriate use, oversight, and accountability.

We believe our community should have clear, accessible information about this technology, how BCSO uses it, and the safeguards that govern its use. We encourage community members to review these resources, as well as our Frequently Asked Questions, which explain what Flock cameras can and cannot do and how BCSO does-and does not-use this technology.

Our goal is simple: use technology responsibly to support public safety while maintaining appropriate safeguards, accountability, and transparency for the community we serve.

Resources

As part of our commitment to transparency, the resources below provide information about our Flock Safety system, associated costs, agency policy, and system activity.

  • Flock Transparency Portal

    Access information provided through Flock Safety’s public transparency portal regarding BCSO’s use of the system.

  • Flock Safety Agreement

    View the current agreement between the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Flock Safety.

  • Flock Annual Cost

    View information regarding the annual cost of BCSO’s Flock Safety system.

  • BCSO ALPR Policy

    View BCSO policy governing the authorized use, access, retention, auditing, and oversight of Automated License Plate Reader technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are the most frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.) of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office relating to Automated License Plate Readers, including Flock Safety cameras.

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What are ALPR cameras?

Automated License Plate Reader cameras capture still images of license plates and vehicles traveling on public roadways. The system compares plate numbers with law-enforcement databases and approved lists of vehicles connected to crimes, missing persons or active investigations.

Are Flock cameras recording continuous video?

Some Flock camera models are capable of recording live video. However, BCSO does not use those models. BCSO’s Flock cameras capture still images of vehicles and license plates-not continuous video footage. The information may include the vehicle image, license plate number, date, time, and camera location.

Do the cameras issue speeding or traffic tickets?

No. BCSO does not use these cameras to monitor speed, issue traffic citations or enforce registration and inspection violations.

What happens when a camera identifies a possible match?

The system sends an alert to authorized law-enforcement personnel. An alert alone does not confirm that a crime has occurred. Deputies must verify the information before taking enforcement action and follow all applicable laws and BCSO procedures.

Can the system make a mistake?

Yes. A plate may be misread because it is damaged, obstructed or similar to another plate. This is why BCSO policy requires deputies to confirm an alert before taking enforcement action.

Who can access ALPR information?

Access is limited to trained and authorized sworn personnel and specifically designated non-sworn personnel. Users must access the system through an individual, password-protected account.

Can an employee search any vehicle for any reason?

No. ALPR information may only be accessed for an official and legitimate law-enforcement purpose related to a specific investigation or official action. Personal, unauthorized or curiosity-based searches are prohibited.

Are searches recorded?

Yes. The system records who accessed the information and the date and time of the access. Search activity can be reviewed as part of the agency’s oversight and auditing process.

How long is ALPR information stored?

The system automatically deletes stored ALPR information after 30 days. Information may be preserved longer only when it is needed for a criminal investigation. In that situation, it must be saved in the agency’s case-management system and documented in an investigative report.

How does BCSO monitor use of the system?

The Sheriff or the Sheriff’s designee must audit the ALPR system at least once every 30 days. Suspected unauthorized access, use or release of ALPR information must be reported to a supervisor.

Does BCSO share ALPR information with other agencies?

Any request from another law-enforcement agency to access BCSO’s ALPR data must be approved by the Sheriff or the Sheriff’s designee. The same policy restrictions apply when BCSO personnel access information shared by another agency.

What types of vehicles may be placed on an alert list?

Alert lists may include vehicles connected to:

  • Stolen vehicles or license plates
  • Wanted persons
  • Missing persons or AMBER Alerts
  • Gang or suspected terrorist activity
  • Active criminal investigations
  • Local “Be on the Lookout” notices

Vehicles cannot be added solely because of an expired registration, inspection violation or driver’s-license violation.

Where can I learn more about BCSO’s use of Flock cameras?

Visit the BCSO Flock Transparency Portal to view public information about the program, including BCSO’s policy, retention period, sharing information, and system-use statistics.

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