05/01/2026
INFORMATION RELATED TO FLOCK ALPR DEPLOYMENT
We appreciate members of our community taking an active interest in public safety and how technology is used in Baker County. It’s important to have these conversations, and we want to provide some clarity and factual information regarding Flock License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology.
First, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency, accountability, and the lawful use of any technology deployed. Flock ALPR cameras are not used to monitor people, track individuals, or access personal data such as names, phone numbers, or identities. These systems only capture license plate numbers and vehicle characteristics (such as color, make, and model) that are already visible to anyone in a public space.
What Flock ALPRs Are Used For
Flock cameras are a crime-solving and crime-prevention tool, widely used across the country. They assist law enforcement in:
Locating stolen vehicles
Identifying vehicles connected to violent crimes
Providing investigative leads in missing persons cases
Supporting time-sensitive alerts such as AMBER and Silver Alerts
These systems have helped agencies nationwide solve serious crimes faster, often within hours instead of days, significantly reducing investigative time and manpower.
Legal and Privacy Considerations
There is very limited expectation of privacy in public spaces under the law. Courts have consistently upheld that:
License plates are designed to be publicly visible
Observations made in public areas (roads, intersections, highways) are lawful
Technology that enhances what an officer could already observe is permitted
Flock systems do not use facial recognition, do not access personal databases, and do not track individuals in real time. Access to data is restricted, audited, and used strictly for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Data retention is limited and governed by policy.
Addressing Misinformation
Claims suggesting these cameras are being used to monitor children or collect images of individuals are not accurate. These systems do not capture or store personal images in a way that identifies individuals, nor are they used for surveillance of lawful activity.
Proven Impact on Crime
Technology like ALPRs is part of a broader trend in modern policing. Across the country, agencies utilizing tools like ALPRs, Real-Time Crime Centers, and integrated data systems are seeing:
Faster case clearances
Increased recovery of stolen property
A deterrent effect on criminal activity
At the same time, national crime rates have been trending downward, and strategic use of technology is a contributing factor in helping law enforcement operate more efficiently and effectively.
Cost Effectiveness
From a taxpayer perspective, this technology is also highly cost-effective.
It reduces the need for additional personnel
Decreases investigative man-hours
Maximizes the effectiveness of existing deputies
In short, it allows us to do more with the resources we have, without placing additional burden on taxpayers.
Everyday Use of Cameras in Public
It’s also important to recognize that camera systems are already a normal part of daily life:
Banks
Gas stations
Retail stores
Schools
Traffic intersections
Churches
These systems are widely accepted because they deter crime and protect the public—ALPR technology operates under that same principle, with additional safeguards and oversight. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office will continue to evaluate and implement tools that help us protect our citizens while respecting constitutional rights.
Our mission is simple: Keep Baker County safe, keep crime low, and respond effectively when it does occur. We will continue to use every lawful and responsible tool available to accomplish that mission because that is our job, and we take it very seriously.
We welcome anyone to call us if you have any questions, Sheriff Scotty Rhoden @ 904-509-4691 or Undersheriff Randy Crews @ 904-988-5049.
