Guide: File Public Information Requests

How to Request Flock or ALPR Data from Your Local Government

Flock Safety and other surveillance technology companies collect enormous amounts of location data through local police and sheriff contracts. You have the right to request information about what data is collected, how it’s used, and who it’s shared with.

✅ Step-by-Step: Filing a Public Records Request

Most counties and cities are required by law to give you access to public records. This includes contracts, training materials, and usage data for ALPR systems.

You can send a request to:

  • Your county sheriff’s office

  • Your city police department

  • Or your city/county clerk or public records officer

📝 Sample Request Text:

Subject: Public records request regarding license plate reader technology

Pursuant to [Your State’s] Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

Records related to the department’s Flock Safety system:
1. Organization Audit in Flock.
The report should include data logged from the period of [Past Date], to the date this request is processed. Per Flock's documentation, the Organization Audit is available within the Insights tab and is defined as searches done within the agency.

2. Network Audit in Flock.
The report should include data logged from the period of [Past Date], to the date this request is processed. Per Flock's documentation, the Network Audit is available within the Insights tab and is defined as searches of the organization’s Flock network by any agency in the Flock System.

3. A list of network share settings that include:
3a. Flock networks shared with me
3b. Networks that I’m sharing

Please provide records in their original electronic, machine readable format. For example, please provide csv or spreadsheet files where applicable. Please do not redirect me to your transparency portal.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within [# of business dates your state’s law requires] business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Email]

💡 Optional: Use MuckRock to Send Your Request

MuckRock.com is a free and easy tool that helps you send public records requests and track responses. It keeps everything organized and can even file the request for you.