FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – The use of Automated License Plate Reader – or ALPR – technology has been a contentious issue in some locations as of late, with advocacy groups in states like Minnesota calling for tighter regulations on what data can be collected by law enforcement agencies and for how long they can store that information.
The Fargo Police Department says they’ve heard the public’s concerns and want to be up-front with them regarding how Flock Safety Cameras are used.
The new Flock Safety Portal went live on the department’s website July 1st, after a thorough development period.
Officials say the stats visible on the portal – like how many cameras are currently active and how many searches have been conducted in the last 30 days – are intended to give the public a clearer sense of the role ALPR technology currently plays in policing.
“We can’t be at every intersection looking for vehicles that are associated with crimes,” explained Captain Matt Christensen with the Fargo Police Department.
“This will alert us, if we put a plate in there that we’re looking for, it’ll tell us at this time, this date, this vehicle went by this camera, then we’ll take it from there.”
They say they’re aware of the challenge of making some of this data readily available while balancing the need for privacy in active investigations, but that it’s worth it to provide the community with some degree of peace of mind.
“We’re trying to use it to help with public safety and to keep our community safe,” said Christensen.
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