Spectrum News 1 reported that Kentucky lawmakers heard testimony on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from Flock Safety, which makes automated license plate reader cameras. Kevin Kane, the company's director of governmental affairs, was questioned about police misuse, data ownership and the privacy of its camera network.
What did Kentucky lawmakers ask Flock Safety?
Kane was asked about police misuse of the system. He said the company's safeguards include audit logs and a tool that now must be used. Shively Police credit that tool with flagging alleged improper searches by one of its officers.
State Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, said people are worried the country is already moving toward the kind of surveillance state George Orwell described in "1984."
Kane answered that a customer who signs up for Flock is "sharing data with no one," and that law enforcement decides whom to share with. "We've never sold data from day one," he said.
Does Flock use facial recognition on Kentucky cameras?
Northern Kentucky Republican TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, said Flock's patents describe facial recognition technology that could be used with its license plate readers. Kane said the company's ALPRs do not use it. "We do not like facial recognition technology," he said.
Roberts disagreed with that answer. He said the company already does it, and Spectrum News 1 does not describe any evidence beyond his statement.
What rules already apply to Kentucky's plate readers?
Spectrum News 1 reports that Kentucky lawmakers enacted statewide policies this year for ALPR cameras. They include a 90-day cap on image retention and periodic internal audits.
House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, said he supports requiring a warrant for most Flock searches and outside review of how officers use the system. "So it has a real benefit to the community," Nemes said. "At the same time, there are some serious concerns to make sure that we don't move too closely to a police state."
What changes for drivers in Kentucky?
Spectrum News 1 says the statewide policies apply to ALPR cameras, but it does not say which agencies use Flock or how many cameras they run.
Spectrum News 1 notes that a handful of Kentucky cities have cut ties with Flock this summer, but it does not name them. Cameras run by a neighboring city, the county, the state, a business or an HOA are not part of this. For background on how these systems work, read how plate readers work.
State lawmakers are expected to take up ALPR cameras again in the next legislative session. Spectrum News 1 gives no date for that session, so check the camera map for what is mapped near you in the meantime.