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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2026
CONTACT
Aric Mitchell
479-709-5000
info@fortsmithpd.org
COMMUNITY NOTICE
FSPD Announces New Limits on Automated License Plate Reader Use
Fort Smith, AR - In response to concerns raised by community members about the Fort Smith Police Department’s use of Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, Fort Smith Chief of Police Danny Baker has ordered significant changes to the policies and procedures governing the system.
The following actions are now in effect:
- The retention period for FSPD license plate reader data has been reduced from 30 days to seven days.
- All permissions allowing agencies other than FSPD to search the Department’s ALPR data have been disabled.
- Searches of FSPD ALPR data are now limited to felony-level investigations, domestic battery cases within 12 hours of the incident, and missing-person reports.
- FSPD has notified Flock that it will review whether to renew its contract for ALPR services in Fort Smith. The current contract runs through November 30, 2027. Any decision on renewal will follow an additional public review by the Fort Smith Board of Directors.
ALPR technology has helped FSPD recover stolen vehicles and investigate serious crimes. In March, an ALPR alert helped officers locate and arrest a man wanted on a felony warrant for possession of child sexual abuse materials.
In May, detectives used Flock to identify a vehicle connected to a series of break-ins in Fort Smith and Van Buren. The information led officers to the vehicle, a traffic stop, and multiple arrests.
The technology also helped identify suspects linked to jewelry-store burglaries across the country, including one in Fort Smith. Information developed through the system led to their apprehension in Oklahoma City.
Information from the Barling Police Department’s Flock system also assisted FSPD investigators in identifying the suspect in the 2023 murder of Chanell Moore at Doug’s Eastside Convenience.
In yet another case, the technology helped officers stop an individual who was traveling to carry out a credible mass-shooting threat at Central Mall.
“Those cases demonstrate why ALPR technology has real public-safety value,” Chief Baker said. “But we must also understand and appreciate the concerns our community has raised. A useful tool still requires strict limits, careful oversight, and public review. These changes reflect that responsibility.”
Separately, the City of Fort Smith’s internal auditor is conducting an audit of FSPD’s use of Flock ALPR technology. That review remains active. FSPD anticipates that public discussion before the Fort Smith Board of Directors will occur after the City’s audit is complete, allowing its findings to inform that discussion.
FSPD thanks everyone who has contributed feedback and will continue providing updates as the audit, public review, and contract evaluation move forward.
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