In October, Oklahoma State Representative Tom Gann held an interim study on the use of Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading (ALPR) devices by law enforcement.
“We have concerns about this proliferation of these cameras that capture the tag and profile your cars as they go down the road,” he told KRMG Wednesday. “And then, what happens to that data? Where is that data stored?”
[Hear the KRMG In Depth Report on a lawmaker’s concerns about Flock cameras HERE]
He said he doesn’t believe the data actually gets deleted - though Flock, the company which maintains contracts with some 40 or so law enforcement agencies around the state, insists that it does (unless tagged for further investigation).
And, he believes state law specifically prohibits the use of the cameras for anything but helping to enforce compulsory auto insurance laws.
He points to Oklahoma Title 47-70606.1, which states in part: Data collected or retained through the use of an automated license plate reader system shall not be used by any individual or agency for purposes other than enforcement of the Compulsory Insurance Law or as otherwise permitted by law.
Gann notes that a judge in McClain County ruled that information from a Flock camera could not be used as evidence in a particular case, because of that statute.
That case has not yet been fully adjudicated.
But the fact that lawmakers carefully limited the use of those cameras, Gann argues, shows that they shared his concerns then, and the failure of a bill (SB1620) in the recent legislature which would have allowed the installation of Flock cameras to find stolen or suspect vehicles shows that those concerns remain top of mind for many.
Law enforcement largely argues that the Supreme Court has clearly ruled there is no expectation of privacy for a vehicle on a public street, bearing a tag required - and issued by - the state (or tribal jurisdiction).
And, they argue, the cameras have helped solve any number of violent crimes, which is to the benefit of all.