Newport commissioners discuss Flock Safety surveillance cameras
Newport commissioners discuss Flock Safety surveillance cameras
https://www.fox19.com/2026/05/12/newport-commissioners-discuss-flock-safety-surveillance-cameras/
Publish Date: 2026-05-11 22:15:00
Source Domain: www.fox19.com
NEWPORT, Ky. (WXIX) – The Newport Board of Commissioners held an informative presentation on police technology Monday night, with Flock Safety cameras drawing the most public interest.
The cameras, used by law enforcement, have come under scrutiny since they first appeared in Northern Kentucky two years ago. Many residents have posted on social media questioning the data collected by the cameras.
Flock Safety has been controversial around the country because it is a private company, meaning the surveillance data collected by the Newport Police Department is not fully controlled by them.
Residents raised concerns about privacy during the meeting.
“What information is being collected for this for-profit company?” one resident asked.
“Are they taking video or are they not taking video? Is it only pictures?” another asked.
Capt. Drohan with Newport Police said the only data these Flock cameras take is a snapshot of the vehicle, showing the license plate with no facial recognition.
“Flock holds the license plate reader data for 30 days, the state says no longer than 90, and obviously, we would hold it for longer if it was attached to a case based on records retention laws,” Drohan said.
In Northern Kentucky, Flock cameras are not used to catch people breaking the speed limit. They assist in crime investigations by reading license plates and capturing the make, model and color of a car. The camera can alert police to stolen vehicles and track wanted suspects.
“We’ve got to focus on what this is. This is protecting our community, it’s about the possibility of providing our officers with every reasonable advantage to prevent crime, solve crime, and serve the public with professionalism and integrity,” Drohan said.
An official said the department would not compromise safety.
“We’re not going to do something that is going to jeopardize the safety. If they don’t honor their commitment to provide the data that is requested and provide us more or use it in a…
