Flock Safety Technology

The Lorain Police Department uses Flock Safety technology to assist with criminal investigations and public safety efforts. This includes automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras and police-operated aerial drones. All technology is used in accordance with department policy and applicable state and federal law. 

The purpose of this page is to explain what technology is, how it is used, and how data is handled.

Fixed Flock Cameras (ALPR) 

Flock Safety cameras capture images of vehicles and license plates in public areas. The system helps law enforcement identify vehicles associated with criminal activity and locate vehicles involved in public safety matters.

How Fixed Camera Technology Is Used 

Flock Safety camera technology may be used to: 

  • Assisting the investigation of serious crimes
  • Helps locate stolen vehicles
  • Support missing person investigations
  • Provide investigative leads when appropriate 

Use of the system is for legitimate law enforcement purposes only. 

What Information Is Collected (Fixed Cameras) 

The system captures: 

  • License plate numbers
  • Vehicle characteristics (such as make, model, color, and distinguishing features)
  • Date, time, and general location of the vehicle image

What Fixed Camera Technology Does Not Do 

Flock Safety camera technology: 

  • Does not use facial recognition
  • Does not identify drivers or passengers
  • Does not track individuals
  • Is not used for traffic enforcement

This technology focuses on vehicles, not people.  

Police-Operated Aerial Drones 

The Lorain Police Department may deploy police-operated aerial drones in limited, approved situations to support public safety operations. Drone operations are conducted by trained and certified personnel and are governed by department policy, applicable law, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

How Drone Technology Is Used 

Drone technology may be used to: 

  • Assist during critical or active incidents
  • Support search and rescue operations
  • Provide situational awareness during emergencies
  • Help officers safely assess scenes from above

Drones are used as a support tool and are not used for routine patrol or continuous monitoring.

Live Monitoring and Flight Operations 

  • Drone flights are authorized and planned prior to deployment.
  • Flights are operated in real time by trained personnel.
  • Drone activity is monitored live during operations.
  • Drones are deployed for specific incidents, not continuous surveillance.

 Drones are not autonomous and do not operate independently. 

Flight Logs and Transparency 

All authorized drone flights generate flight logs, which may include: 

  • Date and time of flight
  • Duration of flight
  • General operational area
  • Purpose of deployment

 The Lorain Police Department is committed to transparency. 

  • Summary information about drone activity may be published periodically.
  • Detailed flight logs are available through a public records request, subject to applicable exemptions under Ohio law.

 Specific flight paths or tactical details may be restricted to protect safety, privacy, or active investigations. 

Data Storage and Retention

  • Data is securely stored by Flock Safety
  • Access is restricted to authorized Lorain Police Department personnel.
  • All access and searches are logged and subject to audit.
  • Data is retained for a limited period in accordance with department policy.

Oversight and Accountability  

Use of Flock Safety technology: 

  • Is governed by Lorain Police Department policy.
  • Must comply with Ohio law and FAA regulations
  • It is subject to supervisory review.
  • Misuse may result in disciplinary action.

 The department is committed to responsible use and transparency. 

Public Records and Questions 

Requests for records related to this technology are handled in accordance with Ohio public records law and department procedures. 

For questions or concerns regarding Flock Safety technology, please contact the Lorain Police Department.