We are a group of concerned citizens work­ing to end the use of AI-powered Auto­mated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), and other mass surveillance technology, in Saint Paul, Minnesota and to protect our com­munity’s privacy.

ALPRs (or LPRs) are AI-powered cameras that capture and analyze images of all pass­ing vehicles, storing details like a car’s license plate, loca­tion, date, and time. These cameras col­lect data on millions of vehicles without warrants and without any suspicion that the drivers might be involved in crime. The data is accessible to SPPD and other Flock-using agencies for 30 days, and then is retained indefinitely by Flock. This is mass sur­veillance without effective oversight.

These systems are inaccurate, insecure, and by design allow searching by thou­sands of police departments nationwide. While SPPD data is officially shared with “only” 49 cities and 16 counties within Minnesota, that data can be and has been accessed by patries outside the state. During Operation Metro Surge, ICE officers accessed ALPR systems in the Twin Cities, in con­tra­ven­tion of state law.

The city of Saint Paul signed a contract with Flock Safety on February 12, 2025 to install a total of 16 Flock camera systems across our city. the county sheriff's office runs 9 Flock cameras within Saint Paul (33 in total). And all Saint Paul Police Depart­ment squad cars are equipped with similar tech­nol­ogy made by Axon.

You can use the button below to make your opinion on ALPRs known to Saint Paul’s political leadership.