Washington police chief touts benefits of plate readers

WASHINGTON - The Washington Police Department has installed 8 plate readers in strategic locations across town.

These units, provided by Flock Safety, scan the license plates of passing cars, to determine whether the car has been reported stolen or otherwise felonious. These machines, in place since July 2025, have already helped the WPD in several matters, including the apprehension of a double-homicide suspect from Minnesota late last year.

To ease public concerns, the Washington Police has posted several bulletins on their website, describing the use policies of the plate readers, and security measures taken to secure them.

“To provide additional clarity,” said Chief Jim Lester, “it is important to note what the Flock system does not do:

· The system does not provide live or real-time video surveillance of individuals or vehicles.

· The system does not use facial recognition technology or identify drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.

· The system does not track individuals or monitor a person’s movements over time without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

· The system does not collect personal information, such as names, addresses, or driver information.

· The Public Transparency Portal does not allow public access to vehicle images, license plate numbers, or investigative data.

· The system is not used for traffic enforcement, such as issuing citations for speed or minor violations.

· The system is not monitored continuously; searches are conducted only by authorized personnel for legitimate law enforcement purposes.”

The system, according to information posted on Flock’s website, only stores data for thirty days, after which, it is deleted. It is, supposedly, limited to detecting license plates and vehicles. Human beings are not said to be detected, nor are their facial features, race, or gender.

The system is, however, paired with equivalent systems across the United States, and capable of exchanging information with a variety of American police departments. Presumably, this too will assist in investigations. If a car reported stolen in Washington can be detected by an equivalent system in other states, it could aid law enforcement in catching the suspect and returning the vehicle to its owner.

Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com