There is a huge concern about the new Flock Safety cameras now present in our area. There is also a lot of misinformation out there.
To help get facts to everyone and to hopefully calm some fears, the San Saba County Sheriff's Office has been informing the public via their Facebook page. They also sponsored a Coffee with a Cop event in San Saba, Richland Springs, and Cherokee to answer questions from our citizens.
In case this topic is new to you, here is a timeline of information provided from our Sheriff's Office.
April 7
We’re aware there has been a lot of conversation recently about Flock Safety cameras in our area. We want to take a moment to share clear, factual information about what this system is - and what it is not.
San Saba County implemented Flock Safety cameras as a tool to assist law enforcement. These cameras were obtained through a grant that covered 80% of the cost.
Flock cameras are designed to capture basic vehicle information, not people, and are used to help locate stolen vehicles, assist in investigations, and support missing person cases.
Here are a few important things to know:
• Captures vehicle and license plate information - not drivers or passengers
• Does not use facial recognition technology
• Not used for real-time tracking or monitoring of individuals
• Used as a tool during investigations, not for continuous monitoring We understand there may be questions, and we believe it’s important to have open conversations. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing more information about how this system works and how it’s being used responsibly in our community, with safeguards in place.
We also invite you to join us at Coffee with a Cop in Cherokee, Richland Springs, and San Saba later this month to ask questions and talk directly with our deputies. We’ll be sharing specific dates, times, and locations in upcoming posts.
April 13
Continuing with our discussion on the ALPR Flock System cameras being utilized in our county, let's take a deeper dive into: When Are Flock Safety Cameras Used and How Is the System Controlled?
Flock Safety cameras are not actively monitored by deputies.
They are used when there is a legitimate law enforcement need - such as a reported crime, a missing person, or a vehicle connected to an investigation. In those situations, deputies can use known information, like a license plate number or vehicle description, to help identify a vehicle and follow up on leads.
The system captures vehicle and license plate information. It is not designed to capture or identify drivers or passengers.
This system is not used for continuous monitoring. It is a tool used during investigations when information is needed.
The system includes safeguards to ensure it is used appropriately: • Access is limited to authorized personnel only
• Searches must be tied to a legitimate law enforcement purpose
• All activity within the system is logged and subject to review Information collected by the system is retained for a limited period of time and is automatically deleted after that period (typically around 30 days).
Data is stored securely and protected through encryption.
System access is limited to authorized law enforcement agencies. Use of the system and user activity are monitored and subject to audit to help prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
We will also be hosting Coffee with a Cop events in Cherokee, Richland Springs, and San Saba towards the end of the month for anyone who would like to ask questions and have a conversation with our deputies.
April 17
Why This Matters - And How It’s Already Helping?
When someone calls us for help, time matters.
In many cases, information about a vehicle may be one of the only leads available - especially in a rural area where distances are large and resources are limited. When a vehicle connected to a stolen vehicle, missing person, or alert (such as an AMBER or Silver Alert) is identified, that information can help deputies follow up more quickly and provide direction when there are few other starting points.
In a short time, this system has already been used locally in situations where people needed help:
• Helped identify a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run investigation • Helped identify a vehicle associated with a missing person case This doesn’t replace traditional police work - it is one more tool that can be used when there is a need. We understand there may still be questions, and we want to provide an opportunity to talk in person. Join us for Coffee with a Cop in Cherokee, Richland Springs, and San Saba to ask questions, share concerns, and have a conversation with our deputies.
>April 24 - Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department, 8:00 to 10:00 AM
>April 27 - Richland Springs Community Center, 8:00 to 10:00 AM
>May 1 -San Saba at Casa Del Charro , 8:00 to 10:00 AM
Coffee is on us - we’d love to visit with you.
Results of Coffee with a Cop
Unfortunately, only five citizens attended this event over the three locations.
Four of the five were supportive, and only one raised concerns. However, there were hundreds that did not attend to ask questions and voice their concerns.
The purpose of these Coffee with a Cop events was to provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions and voice concerns about law enforcement agencies utilizing FLOCK technology to assist in helping when the community asks for assistance. It was also to raise awareness of the opportunities that utilizing FLOCK provides law enforcement agencies to help in assisting with locating missing persons, stolen vehicles, suspects in cases.
Final take away about Flock Cameras
What would the Sheriff's Office like to pass along to the citizens? Through this technology, when something happens and the public needs our assistance - even a small descriptions of the vehicle(s) and/ or partial license plates can assist us in helping solve cases.