Kearney residents will have a chance to see how the city’s license plate camera system works and ask city officials questions about its use during a community event Nov. 10.

The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Annunciation Community Center, 705 N. Jefferson St. It will open with a demonstration of the Flock system, covering how Kearney police use the cameras, what information they collect and the safeguards in place.

After the demonstration, residents can speak one-on-one with the mayor, members of the Board of Aldermen and the police chief to ask questions and share feedback. Police officers, city staff and a Flock representative also will be available to answer questions.

Kearney uses 14 Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras. According to the city, the cameras help police investigate crimes, locate missing or endangered people, recover stolen vehicles and property, and identify vehicles associated with wanted people.

The Board of Aldermen first approved the cameras in March 2023. In 2024, the city entered into a five-year agreement for 14 cameras at an annual cost of $35,000.

The cameras capture still images of passing vehicles on public roadways, along with license plate information and vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color. Each image is associated with the date, time and camera location. The cameras do not use facial recognition, record audio or identify drivers or passengers. They also do not issue speeding or red-light tickets.

The city acknowledges that the technology raises questions about privacy, access to information and accountability. The Nov. 10 event will give residents an opportunity to discuss those issues directly with officials.

Following the event, the city plans to conduct a community survey so residents can provide additional feedback on Kearney’s use of the cameras.

For more information on the city’s use of license plate reader technology, visit kearneymo.us/departments/police/flock_cameras_.php

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.