07/28/2026
Attached is the current policy related to Automated License Plate Readers (Flock Cameras) used by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and the two City Police Departments. We would also like to take the time to address some misconceptions about Flock cameras.
Flock cameras are a public safety and investigative tool used by our Deputies. To put it plain and simple, for example, we are looking to catch the person(s) that steals a four-wheeler off someone’s porch in the middle of the night on the far side of the county.
So, what do they do? They are designed to capture a picture of the license plate and vehicle. Specifically, license plate number, vehicle make and model, color, time and location where the vehicle passed the camera. Historic inquiries are available for up to 30 days, meaning two things. The data is purged after 30 days, and inquiries are always historic, not real time. The Flock system does send “alerts” for registration plates entered NCIC (National Crime Information Center). These alerts consist of wanted persons, stolen vehicle, stolen registration plate, golden alert/amber alert, missing person, and an optional alert of s*x offender. When an alert is dispatched Deputies in the area attempt to locate the vehicle. If the vehicle is located Deputies are still required to confirm the registration plate through dispatch or NCIC and follow proper traffic stop procedures.
Misinformation. Flock cameras do not have any aspect of facial recognition, as stated above they are designed to capture a picture of the plate and car. To our understanding and speaking with Flock representatives, Flock does not even offer any aspect of facial recognition services. Flock cameras do not enforce any moving violation, for example speeding, running a red light, expired registration etc. Flock cameras do not identify the driver or passenger in the vehicle. Flock cameras do not record audio. Flock cameras do not “download” your cell phone when you pass by. Flock cameras are not tracking every citizen’s movements in real time.
Legality. The Supreme Court has upheld countless times that you have no expectation of privacy in public. The same law that allows you to record law enforcement when you are driving by a wreck or a traffic stop or any police encounter for that matter, allows Flock cameras to be used.
Concerns. We completely understand most concerns with the Flock cameras. As the only constitutional law enforcement office in the county, we pride ourselves in keeping your rights in the forefront of everything we do. We also pride ourselves in putting people in jail that victimize our citizens and their personal property. We are aware of the looming overreach of “big brother” and our federal government; we live here as well. To be honest, if we took down all the Flock cameras today all it would do would kneecap your local police officer, that most of you personally know, from trying to find someone’s stolen property, all while “big brother” continues to track you through geofenced ad data and other means that we don’t even know about.
We realize that we wont change some minds and we all won't agree on this but we are here to serve you, not harm you. If you have questions please feel free to reach out to the office at (270)524-2341, someone will be able to address your concerns.
Flock Policy HB 58
Adopted on 07/28/2026
I. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the capture, storage, and use of digital data obtained using automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology.
II. Policy: The policy of this agency is to utilize ALPR technology to capture and store digital license plate data and images while recognizing the established privacy rights of the public. All data and images gathered by ALPR are for the official use of this agency. Because such data may contain confidential information, it may not be subject to public review.
III. Definitions:
A. Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR): A system of one or more automated high-speed cameras used in combination with data processing to convert images of vehicles and license plates into computer-readable data.
B. Alert: A notification generated by an ALPR indicating that a vehicle passed an ALPR with a license plate that matches data held by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) or other comparable database.
C. ALPR Operator: Trained agency members who may utilize ALPR systems/equipment. ALPR operators may be assigned to any position within the agency, and the ALPR administrator may order the deployment of the ALPR systems for use in various efforts.
D. ALPR Administrator: The Sheriff or designee serves as the ALPR administrator for the agency.
E. Hot List: A list of license plates associated with vehicles of interest compiled from one or more databases as set out in the Data Collection and Retention section of this policy.
F. Vehicles of Interest: Including, but not limited to, vehicles reported as stolen; displaying stolen license plates or tags; vehicles linked to missing and/or wanted persons, and vehicles flagged by law enforcement agencies.
G. Detection: Data obtained by an ALPR of an image (such as a license plate) within public view that was read by the device, including potential images (such as the plate and description of the vehicle on which it was displayed), and information regarding the location of the ALPR system at the time of the ALPR's read.
H. Captured License Plate Data: The vehicle characteristics captured by an ALPR, including:
a. Global positioning system device coordinates
b. Date and time
c. Photographs of the license plate and vehicle
d. License plate number
e. Vehicle make, model, and color
I. Officer: Means a law enforcement officer, including, but not limited to deputy sheriff and county police officer.
IV. Procedures:
A. Only authorized personnel are allowed access to the ALPR system or to collect ALPR information.
B. To ensure proper operation and facilitate oversight of the ALPR system, all users will be required to have an individual login for access and use of the systems and/or data, which can be fully audited.
C. Department members will not use or allow others to use the equipment or database records for unauthorized purposes.
D. The ALPR administrator will monitor the security of the system’s information and compliance with applicable policies and laws.
E. An ALPR shall only be used for official law enforcement purposes, including but not limited to conducting criminal investigations or ensuring compliance with local and state law.
F. An ALPR may be used in conjunction with any routine patrol operation or criminal investigation.
G. Partial license plates and unique vehicle descriptions reported during major crimes should be entered into the ALPR system to identify suspected vehicles.
H. An officer shall verify any ALPR alert before taking enforcement action based solely on an ALPR alert.
1. Once an alert is received, the operator shall confirm that the observed license plate from the system matches the license plate of the observed vehicle before any law enforcement action is taken. An ALPR alert will be verified through an inquiry via MDT/NCIC or dispatch.
2. Officers will not take any police action that restricts the freedom of any individual based solely on an ALPR alert unless it has been validated. Because the ALPR alert may relate to a vehicle and may not relate to the person operating the vehicle, officers are reminded that they need to have reasonable suspicion to make a traffic stop of any vehicle.
I. Hot lists are obtained or compiled from sources consistent with the purposes of the ALPR system set forth in this policy. Occasionally, there may be errors in the ALPR system’s reading of a license plate. Therefore, an alert alone should not be a basis for police action other than following the vehicle of interest. Prior to initiation of a stop of a vehicle or other intervention based on an alert, officers shall undertake the following:
1. An officer must receive confirmation from dispatch or other department computer device/NCIC that the license plate is still stolen, wanted, or otherwise of interest before proceeding, absent exigent circumstances.
2. Officers shall visually verify that the license plate of interest matches identically with the image of the license plate number captured (read) by the ALPR, including both the alphanumeric characters of the license plate, state of issue, and vehicle descriptors, before proceeding. Officers alerted to the fact that an observed motor vehicle's license plate is entered as a hot plate (hit) in a specific BOLO list are required to make a reasonable effort to confirm that a wanted person is in the vehicle and/or a reasonable basis exists before an officer would have a lawful basis to stop the vehicle.
3. Officers will clear all stops from hot list alerts by indicating the positive ALPR hit, i.e., with an arrest or other enforcement action.
4. General hot lists will be automatically downloaded into the ALPR system a minimum of once daily, with the most current data overwriting the old data.
5. All entries and updates of specific hot lists within the ALPR system will be documented by the requesting department member within the appropriate related case number or CAD number.
6. All plates, vehicles, and other information entered into the ALPR system will contain the following information at a minimum:
a. Entering department member's name
b. Requesting officer’s name
c. Related case number or CAD number
d. Short synopsis describing the nature of the originating call
J. Patrol Officers - Patrol officers will be responsible for monitoring ALPR cameras during the course of their duties. Upon receipt of an ALPR notification, on-duty personnel will respond to the area of the capture and look for the suspect vehicle. If the vehicle is located, proper traffic stop procedures should be followed based on the type of hit, officer observations, and other factors present. The first officer identifying the wanted vehicle should wait for appropriate backup before initiating a traffic stop or engaging the vehicle.
K. Investigative Personnel
1. Investigative personnel may utilize ALPR data to assist in the identification of suspects involved in criminal activity.
2. Investigative personnel may have access enabling them to search the database for vehicles and/or persons of interest.
L. ALPR Uses - The ALPR system and all data collected are the property of the agency. Only authorized personnel may access and use the ALPR system for official and legitimate law enforcement purposes consistent with this policy. The following uses of the ALPR system are specifically prohibited:
1. Invasion of Privacy: Except when done pursuant to a court order such as a search warrant, it is a violation of this policy to utilize the ALPR to record license plates, except those of vehicles that are exposed to public view (e.g., vehicles on a public road or street, or that are on private property, but whose license plate(s) are visible from a public road, street, or a place to which members of the public have access, such as the parking lot of a shop or other business establishment).
2. Harassment or Intimidation: It is a violation of this policy to use the ALPR system to harass and/or intimidate any individual or group.
3. Use Based on a Protected Characteristic: It is a violation of this policy to use the ALPR system or associated scan files or hot lists solely because of a person’s or group's race, gender, religion, political affiliation, nationality, ethnicity, s*xual orientation, disability, or other classification protected by law.
4. Personal Use: It is a violation of this policy to use the ALPR system or associated scan files or hot lists for any personal purpose.
5. First Amendment Rights: It is a violation of this policy to use the ALPR system or associated scan files or hot lists for the purpose or known effect of infringing upon First Amendment rights.
6. Anyone who engages in an impermissible use of the ALPR system or associated scan files or hot lists may be subject to disciplinary action.
M. Data Collection and Retention:
1. Databases
a. The following databases are utilized for comparison with captured data:
i. National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
ii. Law Information Network of Kentucky (LINK)
iii. Law Enforcement agency created Hot Lists
iv. Hot lists generated by provider or private entities through the provider
2. All data will be closely safeguarded and protected by both procedural and technological means.
3. The LPR vendor will store and ensure proper maintenance and security of data.
4. The department will retain ALPR data for no more than 90 days. If data is retained for law enforcement purposes, it must be stored according to policy and destroyed only in accordance with the records retention schedule Information gathered or collected and records retained by the ALPR system will not be sold, shared, accessed or transferred except as authorized under KRS 189.632(4)(d).
N. Releasing ALPR date:
1. ALPR data may be released to other authorized and verified law enforcement officials and agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
2. All non-law enforcement requests for access to stored LPR data shall be processed in accordance with KRS 189.632(4)(d).
3. Any employee who receives a written request for LPR data will immediately forward the request to the custodian of records.
O. Accountability and Safeguards - All data will be closely safeguarded and protected by both procedural and technological means. The agency will observe the following safeguards regarding access to and use of stored data:
1. All ALPR data downloaded to a mobile device, computer, or MDT shall be accessible only through a login/password-protected system capable of documenting all access to information by name, date, and time.
2. Persons approved to access ALPR data under these guidelines are permitted to access the data for legitimate law enforcement purposes only, such as when the data relates to a specific criminal investigation or department-related civil or administrative action.
3. At the Sheriff’s discretion, ALPR data may be released to other authorized and verified law enforcement officials and agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
4. Every ALPR detection browsing inquiry must be documented by either the associated agency case number or CAD number and/or a reason for the inquiry.
P. ALPR Data Detection Browsing Audits
1. Before an officer can access the ALPR database to browse ALPR detections, the inquiring officer must document a reason for the inquiry within the ALPR system.
2. It is the responsibility of the Sheriff or designee to ensure that an audit is conducted of ALPR detection-browsing inquiries to occur every 180 days. The agency will audit a sampling of the ALPR system utilization from the prior period to verify proper use in accordance with the above authorized uses. The audit shall randomly select at least 5 detection browsing inquiries conducted by agency employees during the preceding period and determine if each inquiry meets the requirements established in this policy.
3. The audit shall be documented in the form of an internal agency memorandum directed to the Sheriff. The memorandum shall include any data errors found so that such errors can be corrected. After review by the Sheriff or designee, the memorandum and any associated documentation shall be filed and retained in agency records.
Q. ALPR Data Detection SHALL NOT be used for any enforcement of moving violations, ie traffic violations, speed enforcement, expired registrations etc.
R. Although all ALPR cameras in Hart County are contracted by Hart Fiscal Court, the City of Munfordville and the City of Horse Cave Police Departments will have their own usernames and passwords. Each city will be responsible for their own policies and audits.
