Title
Receive a presentation on police technology, including Automated License Plate Readers and Drones as First Responders.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Councilmember Elizabeth Villafranca
BACKGROUND:
The Farmers Branch Police Department uses technology to improve public safety, support criminal investigations, and strengthen emergency response. The Department currently utilizes Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program through Flock, LLC.
ALPR technology assists officers in identifying stolen vehicles, locating missing persons, and investigating criminal activity. The DFR program provides real-time aerial information to help first responders assess incidents, identify potential hazards, and respond more effectively.
Both programs provide valuable resources to law enforcement while operating under established policies that address privacy, authorized use, accountability, and transparency.
DISCUSSION:
The ALPR system assists the Police Department with criminal investigations and public safety operations by capturing license plate information and vehicle characteristics. The system can generate real-time alerts when a vehicle matches information in designated law enforcement databases. Officers can also search vehicle information related to specific investigations. The technology does not use facial recognition or identify vehicle occupants. Information obtained through the system serves as an investigative resource and must be verified before enforcement action is taken.
The Police Department has established policies governing access, use, retention, and sharing of ALPR information. These safeguards include:
• Authorized Access: Only trained personnel may access the system for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Investigative searches require documentation of the case number, offense, and reason for the search.
• Data Retention: ALPR data is generally deleted after 30 days unless it must be preserved for an investigation, evidentiary purposes, or other legal requirements.
• Information Sharing: Access to information is limited to approved law enforcement agencies for authorized purposes.
• Oversight: The Department conducts monthly audits of system searches to verify appropriate use and compliance with departmental policies. All users are required to complete training on system operations, privacy requirements, and information management.
These controls help ensure the system is used appropriately and that access to information is limited to legitimate law enforcement needs.
The DFR program allows the Police Department to deploy drones to qualifying emergency calls, providing officers with an aerial view of an incident before or during their response.
Personnel assigned to the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) review incoming emergency calls and determine when a drone response is appropriate. The live aerial feed helps officers assess conditions, locate individuals, identify hazards, and determine needed resources. This additional information improves coordination and helps reduce unnecessary risks to responding personnel and the public.
FAA-certified pilots conduct drone operations in accordance with applicable regulations and departmental procedures. The Aerodome system automatically records flight information, including the date, time, and flight path. The department generally retains video when needed for evidentiary or other authorized purposes, consistent with applicable records retention requirements.
In May 2026, the Police Department launched a public transparency webpage with links to the Flock Transparency Portal and Drone Aerodome information. These resources allow residents to learn more about how the Department uses these technologies. The Department will continue to monitor system use, evaluate program effectiveness, and maintain appropriate safeguards to ensure these resources are used responsibly.
The ALPR and DFR programs support the City's public safety priorities by providing officers with additional tools to investigate crimes, respond to emergencies, and protect the community while maintaining accountability and transparency.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
N/A
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation