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Law enforcement agencies rely on license plate recognition systems to support investigations, track criminal activity, and strengthen community safety. Officers also expect these systems to protect sensitive data, meet CJIS requirements, and maintain a clear chain of custody. As more agencies review their technology partners, many are taking a closer look at security, data control, and compliance.
Flock Safety is a well-known name in the LPR space, but recent findings have raised new concerns about system security, data-sharing oversight, and the potential risks to agencies that rely on the platform. SoundThinking’s PlateRanger™, powered by Rekor®, offers an alternative that maintains strict CJIS compliance, provides full data ownership, and adheres to verified security standards that agencies can trust.
Independent Research on Flock Safety’s Security and Data Integrity
Agencies depend on LPR systems to protect data as carefully as they collect it. Independent researchers have demonstrated that a Flock LPR camera can be physically compromised in under 30 seconds, giving an attacker root access and exposing unencrypted images, metadata, and other sensitive files. These same tests also showed that unencrypted video signals could be intercepted from several feet away with a low-cost software-defined radio dongle.
The research also reported that hidden button combinations have been found on specific Flock devices that can activate a covert Wi-Fi access point, making unauthorized access easier. The researchers also report the ability to access and use an end-of-life operating system (Android Things 8/8.1) on Flock cameras, and they found more than 900 unpatched security vulnerabilities. These discoveries have raised questions about the strength of Flock’s security posture and whether its publicly stated SOC 2 claims can be fully supported.
Growing Concerns Over Flock Data Security and Oversight
Maintaining control over sensitive LPR data is a priority for public safety agencies, especially when compliance policies require clear documentation of who accessed information, when they accessed it, and for what investigative purpose. Recent state-level oversight has raised new questions about whether Flock’s systems provide sufficient safeguards.
The Illinois Secretary of State audited Flock Safety LPR data use across roughly 100 law enforcement agencies. Flock data sharing and ICE searches were also reported by 404 media, stating that Flock LPR data was accessed by out-of-state law enforcement agencies conducting ICE-related searches, resulting in more than 4,000 lookups without the originating agency’s knowledge or approval. Once the data was uploaded into external sharing networks, the agency lost visibility into who accessed it, why, and when. These concerns have prompted agencies to reexamine whether their LPR vendor provides the level of accountability, clear audit trails, and documentation necessary to meet local, state, and federal expectations.
Evaluating Alternatives to Flock Safety LPR
Agencies want LPR systems that enhance operational outcomes without introducing cybersecurity or privacy risks. When evaluating the right platform, departments often cite:
- Control over data access
- CJIS-aligned encryption and handling
- A modern and secure operating system
- Strong protection against tampering
- Verified compliance audits
- Transparent data retention and deletion procedures
This has led many agencies to review alternatives that offer tighter control and stronger security guarantees.
PlateRanger: Secure, Compliant, and Agency-Controlled
PlateRanger is designed for agencies that want complete control of their data and confidence in every operational and legal standard they must meet.
- Proven, Secure Architecture: PlateRanger has no Wi-Fi access point to the camera. Access to the camera requires authenticated connections, and default passwords are replaced at installation with strong, unique credentials.
- The platform runs on a maintained Linux-based operating system that receives routine security patches. This eliminates risks associated with end-of-life OS environments.
- Strong Encryption and CJIS Alignment: All PlateRanger data is encrypted end-to-end using AES-256 and TLS 1.2 or higher, meeting FIPS 140-2, NIST 800-53, and CJIS Security Policy 5.10 requirements.
- Agencies Make Data Decisions: Raw images and faces never leave the device unless the agency chooses to export them. Agencies retain complete control over dissemination and sharing, preventing untraceable propagation into outside databases.
- Third-Party Verification: PlateRanger undergoes SOC 2 Type II audits, CJIS ACE reviews, and regular third-party penetration testing to verify controls and strengthen safeguards.
- Protected Hardware and Reduced Exposure: The independent findings noted above that Flock’s video stream could be reconstructed from nearby radio emissions. PlateRanger uses industry-standard hardening, encryption, and secure boot.
- Transparent Data Sharing Controls: Agencies decide exactly who can access PlateRanger data. PlateRanger allows agency administrators to select the level of sharing for their agency, placing agencies in charge of who can view data and run search queries, an issue highlighted in the Illinois audit.
Challenges of Implementing ALPR Solutions
In addition to data security, law enforcement agencies face several challenges when implementing license plate recognition technology:
- Investigative Benefits: Knowing which vehicles enter and exit crime areas helps investigators quickly identify investigative leads. Vehicle interdiction and convoy information are also helpful for tracking and locating suspect vehicles and increasing officers’ situational awareness.
- Accuracy and Reliability: Inconsistent or inaccurate plate reads can lead to missed opportunities in investigations and enforcement.
- Integration: Many LPRs are siloed from other systems, requiring staff time to move information and search other databases. LPRs that integrate with existing systems and databases can significantly enhance operational efficiency.
- Saves Staff Time: LPR solutions must be automated and provide easy search and use capabilities.
- Cost: Budget constraints for initial purchase and ongoing maintenance often limit the ability to implement and maintain comprehensive LPR systems.
PlateRanger Powered by Rekor: Overview and Benefits
Exceptional Investigative Benefits
One of PlateRanger’s exceptional features is its ability to speed up investigations. Adding the ability to integrate PlateRanger with other systems makes it easier to find leads. Integrating PlateRanger with other systems like ShotSpotter for precise gunfire location and CrimeTracer to link to a large investigative database exponentially increases investigative capabilities.
- Additional Vehicle Characteristics: PlateRanger provides additional vehicle characteristics, such as make, model, color, state of origin, and direction of travel.
- Reviewing LPR Video Clips: Each license plate read produces a video clip. This allows historical vehicle leads, LPR video clips, and alerts for wanted vehicles to provide actionable and smarter investigative leads. Video clips provide additional situational context beyond vehicle identifiers, such as people exiting or entering the vehicle or seeing potential witnesses nearby.
- Crime Travel Patterns: Using PlateRanger’s historical data, law enforcement personnel can find information on a suspect vehicle’s travel routes. The travel pattern allows investigators to plan and prepare to apprehend criminals at safe times and in less populated locations.
- Advanced Search and Alerting: PlateRanger can search partial tags and even vehicles without plates using vehicle characteristics. Alerts can also be configured to provide notice of partial matches.
Superior Accuracy and Reliability
PlateRanger utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to ensure exceptional accuracy in license plate recognition. Superior night images, often critical in criminal investigations, are accurate in low-light conditions, providing reliable data for investigations and enforcement.
- High-Definition Captures: PlateRanger cameras deliver high-definition images, ensuring that license plates are readable even in challenging conditions such as night, low light, or adverse weather. PlateRanger also delivers high-accuracy reads for stacked lettering on license plates and front license plates, and superior read rates at night and in low-light environments.
- Real-Time Alerts: The system provides real-time alerts for hot-listed vehicles, including NCIC-stolen vehicles, AMBER and Silver alerts, enabling immediate response from law enforcement. PlateRanger can be configured to alert on partial license plate matches as well.
- Ultimate Coverage at High Speed: Rekor Edge Pro covers up to 2 traffic lanes with a 75-foot maximum coverage range and can read license plates of vehicles traveling up to 70 mph. And Rekor Edge Max has coverage at higher speeds and more lanes.
Integration with Other Solutions
One of PlateRanger’s standout features is its seamless integration with existing law enforcement systems. This capability enhances operational efficiency and streamlines the investigative process.
- Compatibility with Other Systems: PlateRanger’s compatibility with other systems allows for vehicle alerts, such as stolen vehicle hits, AMBER and Silver alerts, and more integrated information.
- Integration with ShotSpotter: PlateRanger can integrate with SoundThinking’s ShotSpotter, providing valuable vehicle leads for gun-related crimes.
- Compatibility with CrimeTracer: PlateRanger also integrates with CrimeTracer, offering seamless integration to the agency-wide, crime-fighting solution with access to over 1 billion CJIS-compliant records.
Scalability and Flexibility Save Staff Time
Reviewing LPR video clips with precise dates, times, and locations can help identify vehicles associated with a crime.
- Advanced Search: Historical data and search capabilities for license plates, partial plates, and vehicle characteristics save time for law enforcement staff. LPR video clips and alerts for wanted vehicles can speed up investigations and arrests.
- AI-Driven Industry-Leading Accuracy: PlateRanger’s artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities add advanced analytic and investigative functions to unsurpassed accuracy with license plate reads.
Cost-Effective Solutions
While providing advanced features, PlateRanger remains cost-effective. It offers a single subscription price that includes 24/7/365 customer service and industry-leading read performance. PlateRanger is designed to be scalable, allowing agencies to expand their LPR coverage as needed without compromising performance. This flexibility ensures that the system can grow alongside the agency’s needs.
- Bundled Services: The subscription model includes all necessary services, ensuring no hidden costs or additional fees.
- Long-Term Savings: The system’s accuracy and reliability reduce the need for manual verification, saving time and resources.
- Remote Deployments: The option to bundle solar power enables remote deployments, making it easier to cover large and rural areas.
Checklist for Picking the Best Flock Safety LPR Alternative
When selecting an LPR solution, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best solution for your agency, the community, and your overall investigative needs:
- Data Security: Look for solutions that offer robust encryption, access controls, and compliance with CJIS, data security, hardware security, regular system updates and security patches, and other relevant standards.
- Investigative Benefits: Find an LPR solution that provides strong investigative benefits, such as quickly locating vehicle leads, the ability to search historical data, advanced analytics to unlock hidden patterns, and one that allows investigators to view video clips from the search.
- Accuracy and Reliability: Ensure the system provides high-definition captures and minimizes false positives and negatives. Consider advanced search capabilities and accuracy, along with information provided, such as vehicle characteristics and direction of travel.
- Integration: Choose a system that integrates seamlessly with your existing technologies, such as ShotSpotter and CrimeTracer. Determine if the system has robust integration capabilities and can provide advanced analytics and search.
- Scalability and Flexibility to Save Time: Often, the best option is a scalable solution that can grow with your agency’s needs now and in the future.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Consider the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees, maintenance, upkeep, needed add-ons, training, and customer support.
- Customizability: Ensure the solution can be tailored to meet your agency’s needs.
Key Takeaways for LPR Decision-Makers
The concerns documented through independent security testing, State of Illinois audit, and agency feedback make one point clear: law enforcement cannot afford an LPR system that introduces avoidable security risks. Flock’s demonstrated vulnerabilities, unpatched software, Wi-Fi access points, and gaps in data-access documentation show how easily sensitive information can be exposed or mismanaged. For agencies that must meet strict CJIS requirements, maintain community trust, and defend their processes in court, these issues are significant.
SoundThinking’s PlateRanger, powered by Rekor, delivers the security, control, and transparency agencies expect from a mission-critical system. Its hardened architecture, regularly updated Linux-based operating system, AES-256 end-to-end encryption, and independently verified SOC 2 and CJIS compliance give agencies confidence that their data remains protected. Officers gain reliable investigative intelligence, administrators maintain full authority over data sharing, and departments benefit from integrations that strengthen operations without compromising security.
The Bottom Line for Your Agency
Selecting the right LPR solution is more than a technology decision. It is a commitment to safeguarding evidence, upholding accountability, and giving your personnel tools they can trust on every call. PlateRanger provides that foundation, helping agencies improve investigations, increase operational efficiency, and protect the integrity of their data.
If your department is evaluating alternatives to Flock Safety or looking to enhance LPR capabilities, now is the time to explore how PlateRanger can meet your operational, investigative, and compliance needs.
