Cleveland Police to Renew Automated License Plate Reader Contract
The Cleveland Division of Police is renewing its use of automated license plate reader technology to assist in criminal investigations. Through emergency ordinance 683-2026, the Director of Public Safety is authorized to contract with Flock Group, Inc. (doing business as Flock Safety) for the acquisition and renewal of annual licenses and professional maintenance services.
What's in the file
The legislation authorizes the Division of Police to continue using the Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Solution, a tool the division has utilized since 2023. According to the 683-2026 Legislative Summary rev., the contract provides:
- Annual licenses and professional maintenance services for the ALPR solution.
- Use of technology to support stolen vehicle recovery, locating missing persons, and investigations into violent crimes and hit-and-skip crashes.
- A total expenditure of $125,000, which will be funded by the Division of Police operating budget.
The 683-2026 PRESENTATION details specific technical and privacy parameters:
- The system captures license plate numbers, vehicle characteristics (such as color and type), time, date, and location.
- The technology does not record audio, does not use facial recognition, and does not identify drivers or passengers.
- Data is typically retained for 30 days unless it is tied to an active investigation.
- Prohibited uses include generalized surveillance, monitoring lawful First Amendment activity, and immigration enforcement in violation of City policy.
Who may be affected
- Department of Public Safety (Division of Police): Will utilize the technology to enhance Real Time Crime Center operations and investigative efficiency.
- Flock Group, Inc. (dba Flock Safety): The contracted provider for licenses and maintenance services.
Status and timeline
- May 28, 2026: Ordinance 683-2026 was introduced.
- July 24, 2026: The emergency ordinance passed City Council.
Residents can monitor the Division of Public Safety's progress as they work toward building a public-facing transparency dashboard regarding the use of this technology.
Please refer to the official City of Cleveland legislative record to verify all claims made in this article.
Source record
- File
- 683-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- May 27, 2026
Official documents
- 683-2026 Dir k with Flock Safety for license and maintenance services
- 683-2026 PRESENTATION
- 683-2026 Legislative Summary rev.
- 683-2026 Amend 683-2026
- 683-2026-as amended-desk copy-Final
- FINAL VERSION City Record July 24, 2026 - Page 25