Flock in Roanoke
Current Deployment
Thirty-seven Flock license plate readers and other cameras are currently active throughout Roanoke. According to the city's privacy policy on its Flock transparency page, the technology should only be used for criminal investigations and active investigations related to missing or endangered persons. The data the city collects is purged every 21 days. (Cardinal News)
The City of Roanoke's system detected 381,227 vehicles in the past 30 days. (WFXR)
Expanding to Audio Detection
The city is now installing 75 additional Flock "Raven" gunshot detection devices. These are not cameras, but audio sensors that alert police when gunshots and other noises — such as racing cars, car crashes, and fireworks — occur. On April 20, 2026, the Roanoke City Council voted 5-2 to approve encroachment permits for the installation. This technology is paid for by a two-year Federal Byrne Grant in the amount of $57,040. (Cardinal News; WSLS 10)
What Roanoke Says It Does and Does Not Do
- RPD states that Flock cameras have made a significant difference in helping officers more quickly locate suspect vehicles and solve criminal cases. (WDBJ)
- Virginia law prohibits the use of Flock technology for immigration enforcement, traffic enforcement, harassment or intimidation, enforcement based solely on a protected class (race, religion), or personal use. (City of Roanoke FAQ)
- RPD states that while images can be shared with other Virginia law enforcement agencies, any out-of-state or federal agencies must subpoena RPD to access its Flock data. (WDBJ)
A Local Success Story — Flock's Account
The Roanoke Police Department used Flock license plate reader technology to locate a missing elderly man and return him safely to his family. (Cardinal News)
Open item: the specific Code of Virginia section governing ALPR retention/sharing hasn't been pinned down yet as a direct citation — currently sourced via the city's own restatement of the law above.