Wylie, TX — The Wylie Police Association is publicly opposing the Wylie City Council’s unanimous decision to cancel the automatic renewal of the city’s Flock Safety contract, arguing the technology remains an important investigative tool for local officers.
In a statement released August 28, the association said Wylie currently has six Flock license plate reader cameras and argued that political pressure and misinformation surrounding the technology influenced the council’s 7-0 vote.
According to the association, the cameras capture vehicle information at specific locations and are used by officers for purposes that include investigating crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, locating suspects and protecting victims.
The association also cited a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling concerning the use of license plate reader technology on public roadways.
Rather than eliminating the technology, the association called for safeguards including audits of searches, stronger policies, additional training and disciplinary action when law enforcement databases are misused.
“The Wylie Police Association supports strong safeguards and legitimate law enforcement justification for Flock searches,” the organization said.
The statement represents the position of the Wylie Police Association regarding the council’s decision.