New York Police Department used Flock Safety to track license plates
By
28 September 2026.
The New York Police Department has used Flock Safety automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras to track vehicle movements, according to reporting by The New York Times. Flock Safety operates a network of fixed and mobile cameras that capture license plate data from passing vehicles, enabling law enforcement agencies to search historical records of vehicle locations.
The NYPD's deployment of this technology reflects broader adoption of ALPR systems by police departments across the United States. These cameras create searchable databases of plate readings linked to time, date, and location information. The technology allows officers to query the system for specific vehicles or to identify all vehicles present at a particular location during a given timeframe.
Flock Safety cameras have become increasingly common in municipal contracts nationwide. Cities and police departments evaluate these systems for investigative capabilities, particularly in tracking vehicles associated with crimes or identifying traffic patterns. The company markets its platform to law enforcement as a tool for solving cases and locating stolen vehicles.
Residents interested in whether their own local police departments use Flock Safety or similar ALPR technology can check public records requests to their municipal police and city council, review procurement notices in official city publications, or contact their local government's public information office to inquire about surveillance camera contracts and technology deployments.
Read the original reporting: The New York Times.