The Columbia Police Department (CPD) invites community members to attend presentations on Flock Safety technology to explore its potential use to combat crime in the city of Columbia and provide feedback on a proposed related policy and procedure. 

Flock Safety cameras provide real-time alerts to law enforcement when they detect stolen vehicles or suspect vehicles listed in local, state, or national crime databases. The cameras also notify authorities if a vehicle connected to a missing person case, such as an AMBER or Silver Alert, is identified. Flock Safety cameras record license plate numbers and vehicle details like make, model, and color, but they do not capture identifiable images of people or their faces and do not use facial recognition technology.

These cameras are not designed for remote or automated traffic enforcement and will not be used for such purposes. The Flock Safety system supports law enforcement by offering objective evidence crucial for solving cases. The International Association of Chiefs of Police reports that vehicles are involved in 70 percent of crimes, and 97 percent of car thieves face additional charges including robbery, burglary, theft, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.

CPD has drafted a policy and procedure outlining the appropriate uses of the Flock Safety system. The policy will be available at each public meeting for residents to review and provide feedback. The details of the Flock Transparency Portal and how it can be used by CPD will also be discussed.

The meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

Wednesday, August 14

• 9 a.m. – Lange Middle School cafeteria, 2201 Smiley Lane
• Noon – City Hall Council Chambers, 701 E. Broadway
• 3 p.m. – Daniel Boone Regional Library, Friends Room, 100 W. Broadway
• 7 p.m. – Molly Thomas Bowden Policing Center, Community Room, 1204 International Drive

Thursday, August 15

• 9 a.m. – Crossing Church Student Center Room 320, 3615 Southland Drive
• Noon – City Hall Council Chambers, 701 E. Broadway
• 3 p.m. – Gentry Middle School Media Center, 4200 Bethel Street
• 7 p.m. – Boone Electric Community Room, 1413 Range Line Street

Residents will also have the opportunity to leave comments at BeHeard.CoMo.gov from August 14 through September 10.