Indianola Police Department Deactivates Flock License Plate Reader Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns
The Indianola Police Department has deactivated its eight Flock automated license plate reading cameras, effective August 17. This decision follows a growing conversation surrounding privacy, data retention, and data sharing associated with such technology. Indianola joins other Iowa cities, including Waukee and Coralville, in discontinuing the use of Flock cameras. The department stated that access to data collected by these cameras by outside agencies has also been disabled. While the cameras have been instrumental in solving serious cases, including locating missing persons, identifying violent offenders, and recovering stolen vehicles, the police department acknowledges the need for thoughtful consideration of public concerns. The cameras will remain installed pending coordination with Flock Safety, and previously collected data will be retained for 30 days unless part of an ongoing investigation. The annual cost for the eight cameras was $24,000. 
