**Steamboat Springs, Colorado-July 30, 2026-**The Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) will host a Civic Connections community event focused on sharing information on Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) and Flock safety technology.
“The goal of this event is to provide information and answer questions,” said Police Chief Mark Beckett. “We want community members to better understand how automatic license plate reader technology is used locally, what information is collected, how data is managed, and the policies that guide its use.”
The session, scheduled for 5pm on Tuesday, August 25 at Centennial Hall, is designed to give residents a clear, factual, and transparent understanding of how this tool is used locally, while addressing common questions.
Flock technology, which passively logs license plates to support investigations, has become a topic of significant public interest and some confusion nationwide. SSPD leaders—including Police Chief Mark Beckett and Patrol Operations Commander Greg Griffin—will explain how the system works, outline departmental safeguards, and demonstrate how ALPR data helps resolve cases ranging from stolen vehicles and felony warrants to missing persons and hit-and-run investigations.
The presentation will include:
A fact-based conversation addressing public concerns and questions
An overview of how ALPR technology works and what it does—and does not—capture
SSPD’s policies, including data access, retention limits, accountability safeguards, and auditing
Information on network sharing with Colorado agencies and how custom hotlists support active local cases
Examples of real investigations where Flock alerts led to timely recoveries, arrests, or identification of suspects
Questions and Answers
Flock cameras currently capture license plate and vehicle information at key entry and travel corridors in Steamboat Springs. Images and plate reads are retained for 30 days and accessible only to trained and authorized personnel. Comprehensive monthly audits document all searches—internal and external—to ensure full accountability.
“This technology helps SSPD respond faster, coordinate better with partner agencies, and keep Steamboat Springs safe,” continued Beckett. “Just as important, we have strong governance and policy in place to safeguard its use.”
Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and engage directly with SSPD leadership during this edition of Civic Connection.
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Contact
Email Mark Beckett, Police Chief, or call 970-879-4344
Email Greg Griffin, Police Commander, or call 970-879-4344
Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220