Dallas police plan to keep Flock Safety license-plate camera data for a full year even as the company has shortened its recommended default retention from 30 days to seven, according to The Dallas Morning News.
The Dallas Police Department said investigators need the longer window for lengthy cases, serial offenses and vehicles identified later in an investigation. Sgt. Adam Reinhart, who oversees the department’s use of the technology, told The News the department is not considering changing that one-year schedule.
Flock Safety announced Aug. 13 that its new default is seven days, based on company analysis that more than 90% of searches without a full plate occur within a week. Existing customers can keep their current, locally approved periods, the company said. Flock is also adding “Evidence Mode” so detectives can preserve specific data tied to an active case.
Dallas has more than 670 Flock cameras. The City Council approved a three-year, $5.7 million contract in May 2025. City records show the department previously requested the jump from 30 days to one year, citing the limits of a short retention period.
Reinhart said Flock’s new mandatory audit tool does not currently work with Dallas’ one-year policy because it appears designed around a 30-day window. A Flock spokesperson said the company recognizes agencies have different needs and that feedback from Dallas can help improve the tool. Police leaders are also discussing a sharing filter that could block certain outside searches, including those related to immigration, The News reported.
Privacy advocates have pushed for shorter retention. Flock said communities still choose their own policy.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
