A Flock camera is an automated license plate reader (ALPR) system built by Flock Safety. The Ramsey Police Department uses this technology to solve crimes and to assist other law enforcement agencies. All law enforcement agencies must adhere to strictly regulated privacy policies.
For more information on how the Ramsey PD uses its cameras, please visit the transparency portal.
Ramsey Police Department Transparency Portal
Police-Flock Cameras Frequently Asked Questions
What are ALPR cameras?
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) help Ramsey officers identify stolen vehicles, missing persons, wanted individuals, and vehicles connected to active criminal investigations. They capture an image of a vehicle and its license plate—not people—along with the date, time, and location of the scan.
How do ALPR cameras help keep Ramsey Safe?
ALPR technology helps officers resolve cases that affect our community. Recent examples include apprehending burglary suspects, identifying a hit-and-run suspect vehicle, and helping locate wanted suspects.
Does the Ramsey Police Department track individuals using ALPR?
No. Ramsey Police do not monitor or track an individual’s movements with ALPR technology unless a judge issues a search warrant or exigent circumstances involve an immediate threat to life or safety.
Is ALPR data shared with federal law enforcement?
No. Ramsey PD does not authorize sharing ALPR data with federal agencies. Data is shared only with other law enforcement agencies after Ramsey Police Department command staff approves the request.
How long is ALPR data stored?
If ALPR data is not connected to an active criminal investigation, it must be deleted within 30 days. Exceptions apply only when required by law, such as to preserve exculpatory evidence or to support the Address Confidentiality Program.
What information do ALPR cameras collect?
ALPRs capture the license plate number, date, time, location, and a photo of the vehicle and its surroundings. They do not collect images intended to identify people.
Can residents review ALPR usage?
Yes. Ramsey residents can review camera locations, audit logs, and program details through the Ramsey Transparency Portal.
Why does Ramsey use ALPR technology?
ALPR helps officers quickly identify dangerous or wanted vehicles, locate missing or endangered persons, and solve crimes efficiently while complying with Minnesota law and Ramsey PD’s strict privacy policy.
Can the Ramsey Police Department control who has access to its data?
Yes. Ramsey PD determines which agencies may access shared information through the Flock system. Access can be approved, restricted, or revoked at any time, and permissions are regularly reviewed.
Can Flock cameras download vehicle internal data through Bluetooth?
No. Flock Safety cameras cannot download Bluetooth data or extract information from vehicles or personal devices. They operate strictly as optical ALPR systems, capturing visual details such as license plates and vehicle attributes.
Can someone plug into a Flock camera to download data?
No. Flock cameras operate on secure, closed cellular networks. Authorized law enforcement and approved administrators are the only individuals who may access data through the cloud-based Flock platform.
How does Ramsey PD balance public safety with privacy?
The department limits data sharing, restricts access, maintains audit trails, and regularly reviews policies. These measures ensure ALPR technology is used responsibly, supports crime-solving efforts, and protects community privacy