Timeline of events and articles regarding the use of Flock Safety cameras in Springfield.
01/19/22 – Cameras used to capture vehicle license plates in Springfield spark debate about privacy
“Recently a company called Flock Security offered the Springfield police department use of license plate readers on a trial basis.”
There are 28 cameras posted around town taking snapshots of cars as they drive by. Information they capture is used to find stolen vehicles or catch accused criminals.”
“There are 3 privately owned license plate scanners in the Ravenwood South neighborhood.”
04/04/22 – Springfield Police Department’s 2021 Annual Report
“Stationary license plate readers take snapshots of cars as they drive by, assisting investigators with locating stolen vehicles or suspects. There are 20 cameras in Springfield, deployed as part of a pilot program offered by FLOCK safety.”
06/26/23 – Pokin Around: License-plate readers and other high-tech gadgets
Springfield Daily Citizen – PAYWALLED
“In Springfield, there are 21 license-plate readers used by police at 21 different intersections.”
“The City of Springfield paid $59,850. The contract is for Oct. 6, 2022 to Oct. 5, 2023. The city must agree to a renewal.”
“The cameras do not capture the speed and do not provide an image of the driver.”
07/05/23 – More license plate readers are being installed in the Ozarks. Is this a good thing?
“Cities using Flock’s license plate readers have seen up to a 70% reduction in crime, according to the company, inspiring communities like Branson and Nixa to recently implement the technology.”
08/30/23 – Springfield Police to add more license plate scanning cameras
“Thanks to a grant the department will have more funding to add an additional seven license plate readers around town bringing the total number to 28.”
10/02/23 – City of Springfield Agenda City Council
Councilman Hosmer read in, without question or comment, City Ordinance 27910
10. GRANTS.
Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.
10.1. Council Bill 2023-230 (Hosmer) ORDINANCE 27910
A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to accept a grant in the amount of $19,950 from the State of Missouri, Department of Public Safety for the purchase and installation of seven solar-powered Flock license plate recognition cameras; and amending the budget of the Police Department for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in the amount of $19,950; and declaring that this bill qualifies as a one-reading bill pursuant to Charter Section 2.16(25).
10/18/24 – SPD Begins Testing Audio Detection Sensors
“As part of the Springfield Police Department’s comprehensive strategy to reduce gun violence in Springfield, the department is testing the Raven audio detection system, developed by Flock Safety.”
“We’re doing a test program right now with the Flock Ravens to see if it is something that we can utilize the future, something we want, if it works,” – Captain Culley Wilson with SPD
“Right now we have 56 that are out in a designated area that we’re testing,” Wilson said.
OzarksFirst asked him about the concerns of those who want fewer recording devices out in the open.
“That doesn’t bother me at all. I mean, if you’re on the street, you’re seen anyway, and if you’re not doing anything you’re not supposed to do. What’s the big deal? I’m a firm believer in that,” Smith said. “If it was in my house, that’d be one thing, but if you’re out in public, you’re out in public, and like I said, I feel much more comfortable with them being up there and knowing they’re up there.”
“If SPD decides to move forward with the program after 90 days, the current 56 cameras would cost an annual $30,000, including among other things, software and storage.”
02/25/25 – 2024 SPD Annual Report
“The Springfield Police Department’s 28 Flock Safety License Plate Readers have been assisting investigators with locating stolen vehicles and suspects since 2021. This technology, that is now a permanent part of SPD’s investigative assets, continues to help the department keep Springfield safe.”
12/16/25 – City of Springfield releases 2024 Crash Report featuring cutting-edge data technology
“This technology provides a much more detailed and comprehensive view of how, where and when drivers are using Springfield’s roadways, including speeding trends, sudden braking events and more. Public Works also conducted special camera deployments which with the help of AI identified and analyzed near miss events.”