During the time Flock ALPRs have been used, the ALPRs have been a valuable tool, helping Sterling officers solve crimes, find stolen vehicles, locate lost or missing individuals, and provide valuable information in criminal investigations.
The Sterling Police Department has followed all constitutional, federal and state laws regarding the use of ALPRs and the information they provide. The most stringent rules were implemented for sharing data and use of the Flock system. Regular internal audits of its use were conducted by the department’s administration. Internal policies and training were built to prevent misuse.
Unfortunately, new technology creates new issues, and those issues have become more pronounced across the country. The department recognizes the human factor that can influence people to utilize that technology maliciously. The Sterling Police Department has proven through rigorous audits that the illegal uses and misuses seen elsewhere have not been and are not an issue in the Sterling Police Department’s use of ALPRs. The department recognizes that issues around Flock and ALPRs continue to evolve, with legal discussions, public opinion and its capabilities being disputed.
While Sterling Police Chief Edward “Pat” Bartel still believes ALPRs have and will continue to provide a valuable tool and resource for officers, it is also his belief that some technological issues need to be resolved if these tools are to have continued success and earn the public’s trust. Even as valuable tools, the department must find a way to balance the use of ALPRs or similar technology to solve crimes with the legal and constitutional values the community of Sterling expects.
As a department, the Sterling Police Department will continue to explore and evaluate the best, legal and constitutional options available for the prevention of and resolution of crime and community needs. Those options will be decided based upon developments in the technology, legislation and privacy protections for all.
The City of Sterling will be discontinuing its contract with Flock Safety immediately, and the ALPRs throughout the city will be deactivated and the cameras will not be in use. At a later date to be scheduled, the physical cameras will be removed.
The integrity of Sterling Police Department officers and the tools they use is paramount in continuing the trust, cooperation and faith the citizens of Sterling and the public have placed in the department.
