Marshall County Sheriff Explains Use of Flock Cameras

Dougherty says license-plate readers are a targeted investigative tool with privacy safeguards

MOUNDSVILLE -- Marshall County Sheriff Michael Dougherty released a statement this week regarding the use of Flock cameras after receiving questions about their use in the county.

In a social media post, Dougherty said the Flock automatic license plate reader cameras are located throughout Marshall County.

"I believe it is important for residents to have accurate information about how this technology works, how it is used, and the safeguards that are in place to protect privacy," he said.

"As sheriff, part of my commitment to public transparency is ensuring that citizens have access to accurate information about the tools and technologies their Sheriff's Office uses. This release is intended to answer common questions, explain how the system operates, and provide clarity about the safeguards that govern its use.

"The Flock camera system was not purchased with local taxpayer dollars or from opioid settlement monies. The cameras were funded through forfeiture funds, which are monies seized through illegal drug-related activity and reinvested into public safety initiatives."

Dougherty noted the cameras are designed to help law enforcement with "specific investigations and public safety efforts," including locating missing or endangered persons, assisting with AMBER Alerts and child abduction cases, identifying vehicles connected to drug trafficking and other serious crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, locating wanted individuals and developing investigative leads in burglaries, thefts and other criminal investigations.

He also said the cameras have limitations. They do not record voices or conversations, use facial recognition technology, identify drivers or passengers, access cellphones or personal information, detect vehicle speed, issue traffic citations or monitor people inside vehicles. They are not continuously monitored by deputies and do not independently establish guilt or probable cause. The cameras also do not access telephone records, text messages, internet activity, social media accounts or information stored on personal electronic devices.

Dougherty said the cameras do not establish guilt or automatically justify a traffic stop, search or arrest. Alerts must be reviewed and verified by a deputy, and any enforcement action must be based on the appropriate legal standards and investigative work.

"The cameras collect limited vehicle-related information, including a publicly displayed license plate, vehicle characteristics, direction of travel, location, date, and time," he said. "Any alert generated by the system must be reviewed and verified by a deputy. The information provided by the system is only one part of an investigation, and deputies must continue to follow all legal requirements and establish probable cause when required."

Dougherty said ALPR systems have been used by police for 20 years across the country.

"License plate reader technology is also used in many non-law enforcement settings, including toll facilities, parking garages, secured entrances, commercial properties, and other locations where vehicle access and identification are important," he said.

"The Marshall County Sheriff's Office maintains written policies governing the use of the system. Searches must be conducted for a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and all system activity is logged and auditable.

"Access to the system is limited to a small number of authorized personnel who have received training on its proper use. Not every deputy has the ability to access, search, or enter information into the platform. User activity is recorded and subject to review to help ensure compliance with agency policy and applicable laws."

Dougherty said the Flock cameras are not being used to monitor residents on a daily basis.

"Rather, it is a targeted investigative tool designed to help law enforcement identify vehicles associated with criminal investigations, locate people in danger, and respond more effectively to public safety threats," he said.

"The Marshall County Sheriff's Office is committed to protecting public safety while respecting the privacy and constitutional rights of the people we serve. We understand that questions often arise when technology is introduced, and we welcome those conversations.

"Transparency is an important part of maintaining public trust. We believe residents deserve clear information about the tools used by their Sheriff's Office, the policies that govern those tools, and the safeguards in place to ensure they are used appropriately."

Dougherty said his department's goal is to use such tools in the proper manner.

"Our goal is to use proven investigative tools responsibly, transparently, and with appropriate oversight to help locate missing persons, recover stolen vehicles, identify those involved in serious criminal activity, and keep our communities safe," he said. "At the same time, we remain committed to accountability, safeguarding individual privacy, and maintaining the trust that our residents place in their Sheriff's Office each day."