HICKORY — The Hickory Police Department said Thursday it has launched an online transparency portal for the department’s use of Flock automated license-plate readers.
In a post on the department’s official Facebook page, HPD said the portal is meant to give the public clearer insight into how the ALPR system is used. According to the department, the site shows real-time information on data retention, sharing settings, the number of queries in the past 30 days, the total number of ALPR cameras in HPD’s network, the types of alerts officers receive, and policy summaries governing ALPR use.
“This initiative reflects HPD’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of technology in support of public safety,” the department wrote. “By making this information easily accessible, HPD aims to enhance public understanding of how ALPR tools help protect the Hickory community.”
The department pointed the public to https://transparency.flocksafety.com/hickory-nc-pd and said the portal is also reachable from the Hickory Police Department website at hickorync.gov/police. As of Thursday afternoon, the city’s police page included a button labeled “Flock Transparency Portal” linking to that address.
Automated license-plate readers photograph plates and other visible vehicle traits and log time and location so officers can search the file later. Supporters call them an investigative tool. Critics say the same databases create a running travel log that is hard for the public to see.
Catawba First News previously reported that the Town of Catawba is removing its Flock trial cameras after the Town Council declined continued funding — a different path from Hickory’s decision to keep the technology and publish a vendor transparency dashboard.
Source: Hickory Police Department Official Facebook, Sept. 17, 2026; City of Hickory Police webpage.
Earlier coverage: Town of Catawba to remove license-plate cameras
