LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — More Nevada leaders are weighing in on policies for “advanced license plate readers” or “Flock” cameras as one lawmaker announces a proposed bill for an outright ban.
Growing Push for an Outright Ban
Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch of Washoe County shares how her constituents and many Nevadans support a ban on ALPRs. FOX5 told you how a bipartisan group of lawmakers were working on a bill for guardrails for the growing technology.
“I just don’t see how you put guardrails on a surveillance state, right? At the end of the day, we are saying with guardrails that it is okay for the government to spy on you at all times. That’s just not acceptable. It’s not what our people want,” Assemblymember La Rue Hatch said, after a town hall with the ACLU of Nevada.
The Case for Investigational Tools in Law Enforcement
LVMPD discloses online its number of Flock cameras, periodic searches, usage policies and guardrails. Law enforcement and security experts across the Valley and the country praise Flock cameras for their efforts to solve crimes and find missing persons.
“These camera systems are not recording you in your home. They’re not recording you in your business. They’re recording a public right of ways,” said Michael Johnston of Code 4 Consulting, a Henderson Police veteran and casino security expert. “If eyewitnesses have nothing more than a vehicle description of color, a four-door, you know, maybe a Ford, it allows you to put that information into the system and check for vehicles fleeing that area. It just gives you investigative leads that could actually help save lives,” Johnston said.
Governor Lombardo Backs ‘Responsible Use’
Governor Joe Lombardo shared the following statement:
Governor Lombardo supports the responsible use of advanced technology, including cameras and automated license plate readers, to fight crime and protect Nevadans. These tools can strengthen public safety, but they must be accompanied by strong safeguards to protect the privacy and constitutional rights of citizens.
Attorney General Aaron Ford Calls for Immediate Guardrails
Attorney General Aaron Ford, running for governor, shared the following statement:
“Flock cameras raise serious concerns about Nevadans’ right to privacy… I will work with lawmakers to pass into law these essential guardrails. Until Nevadans have these protections, I do not support the use of Flock cameras.
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