Flock Safety FAQs
The Addison Police Department recently transitioned to a new provider, Flock Safety, for its License Plate Reader (LPR) technology. Since implementing the new system, the Department has received several questions from community members about how the technology works, how the data is used, and the safeguards in place to protect privacy. To help answer these common questions, the Addison Police Department has compiled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
What is Flock Safety?
Flock Safety is a company that makes technology designed to help law enforcement, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods investigate crime. The company’s best-known product is license plate reader (LPR) cameras, but the company also offers video cameras, drones, and gunshot detection sensors.
What Flock Safety products are utilized by Addison PD?
Addison currently utilizes 65 LPR cameras and 20 video cameras supplied by Flock Safety.
What are LPR cameras?
License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras are tools used by law enforcement to capture images of vehicle license plates and basic vehicle characteristics (such as color and type). Their primary purpose is to help identify vehicles involved in crimes, locate stolen cars, and support investigations. These cameras are a proactive public safety measure that helps deter crime and improve response times.
What information is collected on LPR?
The system captures license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, and color, as well as the date, time, and location of the image. No personal identifying information, such as the driver’s identity, is collected.
How long are LPR and video camera data stored?
LPR and video camera data are retained for 30 days and are automatically deleted after that retention period. Specific data related to crimes and ongoing investigations can be manually retained longer by detectives.
Who has access to the LPR data?
The Addison Police Department controls access to our data, and we provide it only to other law enforcement agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes.Flockneither controls nor shares our data.
Does either the LPR or video cameras supplied by Flock utilize facial recognition?
No. Neither the LPR nor video cameras utilize facial recognition.
Are there safeguards to prevent misuse to the LPR data?
Yes. Strict policies govern the system's use. Every search must be tied to a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and each search is logged and audited.
What is the history of LPRs in Addison?
The Addison City Council first authorized the use of License Plate Reader (LPR) technology in 2018 as part of a pilot program. Following the program's success, the City Council approved an expansion of the LPR network in 2021. In 2025, the City Council approved replacing the City's existing LPR network with new technology provided by Flock Safety, enhancing the Department's ability to assist in criminal investigations while continuing to support public safety efforts.
How are the LPRs and video cameras supplied by Flock Safety funded?
Beginning in 2026, the Addison Police Department began receiving funding through the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) Grant Program, which covers 80% of the cost of the LPR and video cameras. The remaining 20% is funded through the Town's IT Replacement Fund, reducing the financial impact on local taxpayers while supporting the Department's crime prevention and investigative efforts.
Has LPR assisted Addison PD with criminal investigations?
Yes, LPR technology has proven to be a valuable investigative tool, assisting Addison police officers and detectives in identifying leads, locating vehicles, and solving crimes. The chart below illustrates the number of criminal investigations in which LPR technology has successfully assisted the Addison Police Department.
| 2025 |
105 LPR Successes |
| 2024 |
106 LPR Successes |
| 2023 |
98 LPR Successes |
Who can I contact for additional questions regarding LPR cameras?
You may email the Addison Police Chief at policechief@addisontx.gov or call 972-450-7100.