Texas DPS Installs License Plate Readers in Austin as APD Accesses Neighbor Agencies’ Flock Data

Overview

• DPS confirmed it installed Flock cameras on Feb. 2 along state rights of way in Austin, with photos showing units near North Lamar at Koenig, South Lamar at West Riverside, and outside City Hall.
• DPS policy retains ALPR data for up to one year and allows access for agencies with signed agreements, while Austin’s former city program capped retention at seven days.
• APD said it does not access the DPS database, yet it acknowledged using Flock data from Round Rock and Sunset Valley within the last month, describing the requests as for emergencies or investigations.
• Austin’s City Council advanced the TRUST Act requiring formal policies and public disclosure for surveillance tools, and APD says it is evaluating its practices to align with the new rules.
• Flock states it has no agreement with ICE and strips image metadata used for training, but advocacy groups warn broad sharing could facilitate immigration enforcement; Austin ended its Flock contract last June after privacy concerns and audit findings.