HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – The Huntsville Police Department has put new online resources on its website to explain how it uses automated license plate reader technology, the department said Thursday.
The resources cover how the cameras support criminal investigations, the policies that govern their use and the safeguards meant to protect the information they collect. The department said it built them in response to community questions and concerns.
The webpage explains what the technology can and cannot do. It includes HPD’s written directive on the readers, a list of frequently asked questions and information about system audits.
It also lists examples of investigations in which the technology helped officers locate suspects, recover stolen vehicles and find missing people.
Transparency portal covers Flock only
Residents can also visit the Flock Safety Transparency Portal. It gives general information about HPD’s use of Flock Safety license plate reader technology over the previous 30 days.
HPD uses two platforms: Flock Safety and Vigilant, which is powered by Motorola. The transparency portal reflects Flock Safety activity only.
The department said Vigilant is working on a similar transparency feature within its system. HPD said it will evaluate that feature once it becomes available.
“We have a responsibility to help our community understand how this technology is being used,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “We’re using the resources available to us to provide information, answer questions and demonstrate the policies and safeguards in place to ensure it’s used responsibly.”
Where to find it
Both resources sit under the Community Resources tab on the Huntsville Police Department webpage.