The Fort Smith Police Department announced Thursday that it is tightening how it uses the Flock automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) system. The changes are intended to address community concerns and better protect privacy while preserving the technology’s law‑enforcement value.
Key policy changes
- The retention period for license‑plate data has been cut from 30 days to seven days.
- All permissions that allowed agencies other than the Fort Smith Police Department to search the ALPR database have been disabled.
- Searches of the data are now limited to felony‑level investigations, domestic‑battery cases within 12 hours of the incident, and missing‑person reports.
The department also said it will review whether to renew its contract with Flock when the current agreement expires on November 30, 2027. Any renewal decision will follow an additional public review by the Fort Smith Board of Directors.
Why the changes matter
Police highlighted several instances where the technology helped protect the community, including a March arrest of a man accused of possessing child sexual‑abuse materials, the identification of a murder suspect, and the interception of a person heading to Central Mall after a mass‑shooting threat.
Nevertheless, the department acknowledged the public’s growing concerns about data retention and third‑party access. By limiting how long records are kept and who can view them, officials aim to balance public safety benefits with constitutional privacy protections.
Regional context
Fort Smith joins other Arkansas municipalities—such as Pea Ridge, Centerton, and Farmington—that have recently scaled back or discontinued use of Flock cameras. The trend reflects a broader conversation about surveillance technology and local control.
City leaders will continue to monitor the impact of these adjustments and seek community input as they decide the future of the ALPR program.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
