Norman, Oklahoma Rejects Flock License Plate Readers Over Privacy Concerns

Norman's Stance on ALPRs

Norman, Oklahoma, has chosen not to adopt Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs), distinguishing itself from many other municipalities. The city's police department presented proposals for the system on two occasions over three years, but both were rejected by city officials.

Reasons for Rejection

Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman stated that the primary reasons for rejecting Flock's system were unresolved questions about privacy and data security. While Flock and the police department emphasized crime prevention and solving cases, including Amber and Silver Alerts, city leaders focused on the implications of data collection.

Specific concerns included the duration of data storage, who would have access to the collected information, and the security measures in place. The proposal to store data for 30 days was a significant point of contention, with some council members suggesting much shorter retention periods.

Council's Unanimous Decision

All nine members of Norman's city council voted against the implementation of Flock ALPRs. This unanimous decision was driven by the city's inability to get satisfactory answers regarding the handling of sensitive data collected from all vehicles entering and exiting the city, regardless of criminal activity.