Flock cameras, which police departments across Kentucky use to identify suspects through license plate recognition, have sparked debate over privacy and potential misuse.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Several police agencies statewide rely on Flock cameras to help catch criminals by scanning license plates, but new legislation could change how long that data is stored and how it is used.
The cameras have drawn criticism from privacy advocates concerned about government overreach. That concern prompted State Rep. John Hodgson, a Republican representing part of Jefferson County, to sponsor House Bill 58.
“House Bill 58 seeks to find a balance with our need to protect the public from violent criminals and things like car theft, carjacking, kidnapping, missing children, you know, crimes in progress, property crimes, but also to protect us from the increase of the surveillance state,” said Hodgson.
Lawmakers have introduced versions of the bill for the past four years. Hodgson said it has passed the House multiple times, and supporters hope it advances further this session.
If approved, the bill would limit data retention to 90 days. Police would have to delete footage after that period unless it is tied to an active criminal investigation.
“It’s not healthy for government law enforcement agencies to have information go that far back,” Hodgson said. “We don’t want people on fishing expeditions.”
The proposal would also restrict how agencies can sell or share the collected data.
“The reason for that is that it’s not just a picture of your license plate, it’s all the information about your license plate and your car, where it is over time,” Hodgson said.
The Jeffersontown Police Department and the Louisville Metro Police Department both use Flock camera systems.
In a statement, Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders said, in part, “Significantly restricting or eliminating this technology would reduce our ability to respond effectively to serious crime and would remove a proven public safety tool relied upon by our officers and investigators.”
“Technology is not replacing officers—it’s empowering them. It allows our investigators to work smarter, respond faster, and focus more time on building strong cases,” Sgt. Matt Sanders said in a statement. “Tools like Flock are helping us move policing forward, and they are making a measurable difference in keeping Louisville safe.”
Some Louisville residents said they support keeping the cameras.
“They’re helping the community find the people that are doing the wrong things,” Louisville resident Debbie Brady said. “I think they should do more and keep them, add to what we have, absolutely.”
A second bill related to Flock cameras is also under consideration in Frankfort. House Bill 375, sponsored by District 66 Rep. T.J. Roberts, would ban the use, deployment and maintenance of all automated license plate reader systems, including Flock.
Hodgson said many of the people calling for a full ban do not live in or represent urban areas. While he said he understands their concerns, he noted that he represents a high-crime county.
The House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved HB 58, and it now heads to the full House for consideration.
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