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Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology

Flock Safety Cameras

Preventing, detecting, and solving crime while protecting privacy and civil rights.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office uses Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras to help prevent, detect, and solve crime throughout the county. These cameras capture license plates and key vehicle details—such as make, color, and notable characteristics. This helps deputies identify vehicles linked to criminal activity, even when plates are missing, altered, or switched.

ALPR technology is a valuable investigative resource that supports public safety without infringing on individual rights. JCSO uses this system under policies that emphasize responsible use, constitutional protections, privacy, and accountability.

Why We Use ALPR Cameras

Flock ALPR cameras deliver real-time alerts and investigative leads that help deputies:

  • Locate stolen vehicles;
  • Identify suspect vehicles connected to criminal investigations;
  • Track vehicles involved in violent crimes;
  • Support searches for missing or endangered people; and
  • Reduce the need for high-risk traffic stops.

License plates are public information visible on public roads. ALPR technology simply automates what a deputy can observe, improving accuracy and efficiency.

How ALPR Cameras Work

Flock cameras are installed at fixed locations across Jefferson County. They capture still images of passing vehicles, including:

  • License plate number;
  • Vehicle make and color; and
  • Distinctive features (stickers, racks, damage, unique equipment, etc.).

Images are securely transmitted through encrypted cellular connections and stored in Flock Safety’s secure cloud environment.

The cameras do not capture:

  • Faces;
  • Gender; or
  • Race or ethnicity.

Deputies cannot search for information the cameras do not collect.

Our Commitment to Privacy and Civil Rights

JCSO is committed to protecting and respecting individual rights. Our use of ALPR cameras follows strict policies that ensure lawful, appropriate, and transparent operation.

Key privacy safeguards include:

Data may only be accessed for legitimate law enforcement purposes;
All system use is logged and may be subject to audit;
Data is automatically deleted after 30 days unless it becomes criminal evidence; and
ALPR data cannot track individuals or capture personal identifiers.

Common Questions

Contact Us

For questions about ALPR technology or JCSO policies, please contact:

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs

Phone: 720-515-0340

Email: publicaffairs@jeffco.us

The Following is posted on the Flock Web Site (Link; opens in new tab).

Flock Facts About Privacy

CUSTOMER-OWNED DATA: Customers own 100% of their data and will never be sold or shared without authorization.

DATA ACCESS: Private customers do not have access to government data.

AUTOMATIC DELETION: Flock automatically deletes data by default after 30 days.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Flock ALPR has no access to personally identifiable information.

DATA SHARING: Only our agency decides who to share data with, not Flock.

DATA SECURITY: Flock does not build or enable back doors into customer data.