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Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program

ALPRs help the Greeley Police Department quickly locate vehicles connected to stolen cars, missing persons, and criminal investigations, giving officers timely information when every minute matters. For the public, this technology helps improve safety, supports faster investigations, and makes it easier for police to respond effectively to crime in our community.

Flock

The Greeley Police Department uses Flock Safety cameras to enhance public safety efforts. Please visit this page for more information on how Greeley uses Flock cameras. See below for a map showing the locations of our Flock ALPR cameras.

A photo of a map of the general Greeley, Colorado area with green marks on the map indicating the location of Flock license plate reader cameras.

Rekor

The Greeley Police Department uses Rekor ALPR cameras in addition to Flock cameras.

  • As of March 2026, Greeley has 15 Rekor cameras set up in the city.
  • Data is retained for 30 days.
  • We do not share Rekor data with any other law enforcement agency or organization.
  • A justification is required to be able to conduct a manual license plate search, such as a case number.

ELSAG

The Greeley Police Department also uses ELSAG ALPR cameras, which is a separate network of cameras owned by individual agencies but managed by Colorado State Patrol.

  • As of March 2026, Greeley operates 2 stationary ELSAG ALPR cameras and 2 mobile ELSAG ALPR cameras.
  • Data is retained for 1 year, as set by the State of Colorado.
  • Because the ELSAG network is managed by Colorado State Patrol, data collected by ELSAG is shared among other law enforcement agencies within Colorado.
  • A justification is required to be able to conduct a manual license plate search, such as a case number.

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) and Flock Safety Technology - Frequently Asked Questions

What is ALPR technology, and how does GPD use it?
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) capture images of license plates and associated vehicle characteristics, such as vehicle type, color, and time and location of detection. GPD uses ALPR technology—including Flock Safety cameras—to support public-safety missions such as locating stolen vehicles, assisting with missing-person and AMBER Alert cases, identifying vehicles connected to criminal investigations, and developing investigative leads. ALPR use does not change the legal requirements governing stops or contacts. Pat Man License plate reader.docx

What does the system detect—and what does it not detect?
Flock cameras used by GPD detect license plates and vehicles. They do not use facial recognition and do not identify people, gender, race, or other protected characteristics. ALPR Transparency Information.pdf

Who may access ALPR data?
Access is limited to trained, authorized personnel with an official law-enforcement purpose. A valid reason is required for system access and searches are logged. GPD policy requires administrative oversight, approved users, and audits of users and the ALPR database for compliance with security, authentication, and authorized-use requirements. Pat Man License plate reader.docx

What safeguards apply before officers act on an ALPR alert?
An ALPR alert is an investigative lead—not proof of wrongdoing. Before a stop or enforcement action, personnel must visually verify the plate number and state of issuance, confirm the current status through dispatch or a mobile data terminal when circumstances allow, and establish the legal basis for any contact. The outcome must be documented. Pat Man License plate reader.docx

How long is data retained?
GPD’s Flock Safety data retention period is 30 days, unless data must be preserved for a criminal case, evidence-retention requirement, or other legal obligation.

What uses are prohibited?
ALPR data may be used only for legitimate public-safety and law-enforcement purposes. Prohibited uses include personal use; harassment or intimidation; use based solely on a protected class; immigration enforcement; and traffic enforcement through the Flock program. ALPR Transparency Information.pdf

Is data shared or sold?
GPD owns its Flock data, and it is not sold to third parties. ALPR information is treated as For Official Use Only and may be shared only for legitimate law-enforcement purposes, with outside-agency dissemination documented as required by department policy.

How is the program accountable to the public and City Council?
GPD maintains written policy, limits access to trained and authorized users, requires justification and documentation, retains audit records of access, and conducts compliance audits. GPD also publishes program information, safeguards, and usage data through its public transparency resources.

What happens if an employee misuses or abuses ALPR/Flock technology?
Misuse is prohibited and will be investigated. If an audit, complaint, or investigation substantiates misuse or abuse, the employee may be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal charges, may face termination or other discipline, and may be referred for possible revocation of Colorado POST certification, as applicable. Pat Man License plate reader.docx

What are the program’s limitations?
ALPR technology does not identify a driver or prove criminal conduct. It may generate false or outdated alerts, which is why human verification, confirmation through law-enforcement systems, reasonable suspicion or other lawful basis for contact, and documentation are required before action.