08/19/2026
NEWS ADVISORY: Flock Camera Community Concerns
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem Police Department understands why members of our community have questions about license plate readers and Flock cameras. Any time law enforcement uses technology, people deserve clear answers about what it is, how it works, and the safeguards that are in place. Transparency is important to us, and we want our community to have accurate information.
First, the Winston-Salem Police Department does not own or operate any Flock cameras within the city. If you see a Flock camera in Winston-Salem, it is most likely owned by a private business, homeowners association, or another non-governmental entity. While the City Council approved the purchase of 25 Flock cameras for the department in January 2023, that contract was never executed, the cameras were never received, and they were never installed. Additionally, the Winston-Salem Police Department is not pursuing the implementation of Flock cameras.
Before considering license plate reader technology, we made transparency a priority. In November 2022, the department hosted a public webinar and question-and-answer session, and we presented the proposed use of license plate readers to the City Council before any approval or implementation.
Today, the Winston-Salem Police Department utilizes Verkada and Axon license plate reader technology. These systems are not only governed by strict department policy, but also by North Carolina law. State law specifically limits how license plate reader data may be collected, accessed, shared, and retained, and we follow those legal requirements as well as our own internal policies. These systems are used only for legitimate criminal investigations and missing person cases; they are not used for minor traffic violations or personal use. Access is restricted to designated personnel, and every use is subject to oversight and accountability.
Our system is also localized to the Winston-Salem Police Department. Other law enforcement agencies do not have unrestricted access to our data. If another agency needs information, it must submit a formal request tied to a criminal investigation or a missing person case. Requests are reviewed to ensure they meet the legal requirements before any information is shared.
We are committed to earning and maintaining the public's trust. That is why we have welcomed hundreds of community members, civic organizations, and law enforcement professionals from across the country and around the world into our Real Time Crime Center to see firsthand how these tools are used and the safeguards that exist.
Most importantly, this technology has made a real difference in protecting our community. It has helped safely locate high-risk missing persons, solve homicides, investigate armed robberies and shootings, recover stolen vehicles, and support countless other criminal investigations. Our goal is to use technology responsibly, lawfully, and transparently to help keep Winston-Salem safe while respecting the privacy and rights of the people we serve.
