Missouri governor announces statewide standards for use of Flock cameras

Key Points:

• Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed an executive order establishing strict safeguards on the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, including Flock Safety cameras, to protect Missourians' privacy while allowing legitimate law enforcement uses.
• The order mandates that most license plate and vehicle data be deleted within 30 days, prohibits vendors from selling or commercializing Missouri-generated data, and restricts ALPR use to criminal justice and lifesaving purposes.
• The executive order also bans the integration of AI facial recognition technology with ALPR systems and requires accountability measures to prevent and penalize misuse of the data.
• The move follows concerns raised by Missouri Senator Josh Hawley and recent reports of misuse, with local agencies encouraged to adopt the governor's recommended best practices until a permanent legal framework is established.
• Some local jurisdictions, like Parkville, have suspended their Flock camera programs amid privacy concerns, while others, such as Blue Springs police, have expanded their use of the technology.