Flock tightens search rules just as Hawley hosts Senate hearing

Flock is tightening access to its nationwide license plate database as the company faces congressional scrutiny led in part by Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley.

The company told the Senate it has changed how law enforcement officers and other users justify searches of its system.

Instead of relying primarily on a free-text explanation, Flock says users will be required to select more standardized search categories, creating a clearer record of why a search was conducted.

Flock has also reduced its recommended default retention period for license plate data from 30 days to seven days for new law enforcement customers.

Existing agencies can retain different policies, meaning the change does not automatically alter how long data is stored by current customers such as Joplin.

The changes come as Hawley prepares to chair a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing Wednesday afternoon titled “Always Watching: Flock’s Nationwide AI Surveillance Network.”

Hawley now claims the CEOs declined to testify.

Joplin police disclosed earlier this year that a former officer violated department policy through improper use of the Flock system.

The department requested an independent Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation and announced additional safeguards, including monthly audits and increased oversight of license plate reader searches.

Despite that incident, Joplin police have continued using the technology, saying the cameras have helped investigators locate criminal suspects and missing juveniles.

Flock says the new restrictions are designed to strengthen accountability while allowing police to continue using the system for investigations.