Little Rock, Arkansas – Questions about oversight of Little Rock’s Flock license plate reader cameras are prompting city leaders to reconsider whether the technology should remain in use. The debate follows allegations that three Little Rock Police Department officers used the system inappropriately.
All three officers are on paid administrative leave while an investigation continues. The allegations have raised concerns about accountability and whether current safeguards are sufficient to prevent improper use.
The issue came up as city leaders met to discuss the agenda for the following week’s board meeting, even though the cameras were not listed as an agenda item.
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The cameras help police identify and track vehicles connected to criminal investigations. Vice Mayor B.J. Wyrick, however, said the city should suspend their use until stronger oversight measures are in place.
“I think that we can take a look at the reports, the reviews— come up with a plan to audit better. But until we come up with that, I think we need to stop the use of them,” Wyrick said.
Police defended the system’s role in their work, pointing to the recovery of $3.7 million in stolen vehicles. The department also said the cameras have assisted in 110 arrests this year.
Those figures form part of the department’s case for keeping the technology available while addressing concerns about how it is used. Police representatives emphasized its value to people affected by crime.
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“This is a very valuable tool, and it’s not for the Little Rock police officers that this tool is on the block for. This tool is out there so we can help every citizen in our communities that we serve get closure,” a LRPD representative said.
The department said it already audits the system quarterly and plans to add a monthly audit and review. The additional checks are intended to strengthen accountability as questions about the officers’ alleged conduct remain under investigation.
An ordinance to end the city’s Flock camera contract is expected in early November. City Director Antwan Phillips also raised the possibility of an amendment addressing whether the agreement should be renewed.
“In a couple weeks, and also with maybe an amendment about the non-renewal of our contract with Flock,” City Director Antwan Phillips said.
