Kehoe signs executive order to restrict use of license plate cameras

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has signed an executive order putting limits on the use of video obtained from Flock license-plate-reader camera networks.

The order signed Wednesday puts restrictions in place until the Missouri General Assembly creates its own. The order requires license plate and vehicle data to be deleted after 30 days, prohibiting companies from selling the data, limiting the use of the images to "legitimate criminal justice and lifesaving purposes," and prohibiting the incorporation of AI facial recognition technology with license-plate camera systems.

"The government should not be building a permanent record of where law-abiding Missourians go, who they visit, or how they live their daily lives," Kehoe stated in a news release. "This executive order is the first step in creating safeguards against abuse of this data, while still understanding the benefits of these vital public safety tools for law enforcement.”

The order also directs the Missouri Department of Public Safety to establish rules for using the technology.

License-plate cameras, especially those made by Flock, have led to abuse and misuse concerns after news of police officers violating civil rights. Kehoe highlighted a New York investigator accused of conducting unlawful searches.

In St. Charles, Missouri, a civilian police employee was caught using the information for non-police purposes.

The cameras are used extensively in Mid-Missouri. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office recently dropped its contract with the company. The Columbia City Council plans a public hearing after citizens have repeatedly raised concerns about the city's 100-plus Flock cameras.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), as chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, has also launched investigations into license plate reader companies.