Residents, Officials Discuss Flock Safety Cameras in Monroe County

Flock Safety cameras, also known as Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, have become a topic of discussion in Monroe County as residents seek additional information about how the technology is used and managed. 
According to Flock Safety, its camera network includes more than 120,000 cameras operating across 49 states and processes billions of vehicle images each month. Flock Safety is a privately held technology company that provides camera systems and software designed to assist law enforcement agencies in locating vehicles connected to criminal investigations. 
To address questions from residents, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office held a public informational meeting on October 5, 2026. The purpose of the meeting was to explain how the camera system operates, discuss policies governing its use, and answer questions from the public. A representative from Flock Safety had planned to participate but was unable to attend due to internet connectivity issues. 
According to Monroe County Sheriff Joe Colston, the Sheriff's Office first explored the technology more than a year ago and later purchased five fixed Flock Safety cameras through a Blue Shield grant. The cameras, which cost approximately $3,000 each, were installed at major entry points into Monroe County. 
The Sheriff's Office operates under a year-to-year agreement with Flock Safety. Officials stated that access to the system is limited to authorized law enforcement personnel who have completed required training, passed background checks, and had a legitimate law enforcement purpose for conducting searches. Examples include investigations involving stolen property, missing persons, wanted vehicles, warrants, or other criminal matters. Officials said all searches and system activity are logged and subject to monitoring 
A Governors Executive Order is searchable online. Monroe County policies are in compliance. There is a workgroup who has placed standards to what happens when someone abuses the system. 
Requests from outside agencies are reviewed before information is shared. Sheriff Colston stated that access logs are continually monitored and that state guidelines and internal policies govern the use of the system. 
Data collected by the cameras is stored through Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure. According to officials, images are retained for 30 days before being automatically deleted. During the meeting, some residents expressed concerns about cybersecurity and the possibility of unauthorized access to stored information. Officials acknowledged those concerns and noted that security safeguards are in place to protect the data. 
Sheriff Colston explained that the cameras used in Monroe County capture images of vehicle license plates and the rear portions of vehicles entering the county. Officials emphasized that the cameras are intended to identify vehicle information and are not designed to identify individuals. 
Law enforcement officials described the cameras as an investigative tool used to locate stolen vehicles, assist in missing-person cases, identify vehicles connected to criminal activity, and generate leads during investigations. The system can generate alerts when a vehicle associated with a criminal investigation enters the county. 
"The Flock camera helps us focus our search efforts by directing deputies to the right area of the county, rather than having to cover the entire county without a clear lead, increasing our chances of locating a wanted individual," Deputy McKenzie said. 
Officials noted that the Monroe County Sheriff's Office is responsible for approximately 680 square miles and said the technology can help deputies narrow search areas more efficiently. 
County officials also emphasized that the system does not use facial recognition technology. Searches are conducted using vehicle-related information such as license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, color, and other identifying characteristics. 
Discussion during the meeting focused heavily on transparency, privacy concerns, data retention practices, and how information is accessed and shared. Some residents voiced concerns about the potential for misuse, unauthorized access, or the possibility that inaccurate information could affect innocent individuals. 
In response to a question regarding oversight, Monroe County Presiding Commissioner Curt Wheeler stated, "If there is any evidence that these cameras are being misused or knowledge of hacking, I will personally take them down myself with my own equipment." 
Officials explained that while Flock Safety provides the technology platform, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office owns and controls the data collected by its cameras. According to Flock Safety's published policies, customer agencies determine who can access, share, and retain information collected through the system. Officials also stated that county commissioners do not have direct access to the database. 
The Sheriff's Office encouraged residents with additional questions to review information from the public meeting and contact the department for clarification regarding policies and procedures. 
Commissioner Wheeler stated that Monroe County currently has no plans to expand the camera system. 
Western District Commissioner Justin Edwards expressed support for the program, stating, "I'd hate to see if we didn't have the Flock cameras in place to keep our kids and families safe and if something happens, we would have a better chance of catching them." 
According to Sheriff Colston, the system has already assisted local law enforcement in several investigations, including locating missing individuals, identifying a registered sex offender, and assisting with a homicide investigation, among other cases. 
Sheriff Colston also stated that Monroe County's crime rate has not increased over the past five years. 
During the meeting, residents referenced concerns raised nationally regarding license plate reader technology and data privacy. Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has publicly questioned Flock Safety executives regarding data collection practices, retention periods, and the potential for large-scale tracking capabilities. Supporters of the technology argue that its value lies in solving crimes and locating missing persons, while critics continue to raise concerns about privacy and government surveillance. 
Another question raised during the meeting concerned the scheduling of the event. One resident asked why the meeting was held at 10 a.m., making it difficult for some people to attend. Sheriff Colston responded that the time was selected to coincide with a period when county commissioners were available to participate. Commissioner Wheeler indicated that officials would consider holding future meetings at different times. 
According to Missouri Senator, Josh Hawley, a letter was sent to him prior to a public meeting that a customer in a flock camera network can purchase for $3,000 annually with no restrictions and can be searched from months and months old images and develop and assemble a pattern of life from the millions of vehicles being surveyed. 
Residents also discussed a petition effort related to the camera program. Organizers stated that approximately 235 signatures are needed to place the issue before voters on the April ballot. As of noon on October 5, organizers reported collecting 74 signatures. 
The full October 5 public meeting is available for viewing on the Monroe County Appeal Facebook page. Approximately 50 people attended the meeting in person, while online views exceeded 20,000 as of October 7. 

Photo Caption: A Flock Safety camera installed at a Monroe County entrance from Shelby County. 
Photos by Robin Gregg.