Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick on The Flag’s Steve Hallstrom Show
MOORHEAD, Minn. — As public debate continues across the Fargo-Moorhead metro area surrounding automated license plate readers, local law enforcement is reassuring residents that strict safeguards are in place to protect personal privacy while assisting officers in solving crimes.
On The Flag, Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick addressed community concerns regarding the department’s use of Flock Safety camera technology.
“I understand people’s concerns about this but our viewpoint is that we have proper controls in place,” he said. “We really see this as a valuable tool, not just for our department, but for the community.”
Law enforcement highlighted that when crimes occur, community members expect swift solutions, and automated license plate cameras serve as an effective tool for investigators tracking suspect vehicles. Police compared the technology’s responsibility to other law enforcement tools, including squad car dash cameras, body-worn cameras, and official vehicles or equipment.
Addressing fears regarding data leaks, unauthorized access, or the commercial resale of captured footage, Chief Helmick noted that vendor contracts undergo thorough review by city attorneys before execution. Furthermore, officials pointed to Minnesota’s stringent state data practices and information-sharing laws.
“We’re really under a lot of restrictions as far as what we can release to the public or other entities that are law enforcement,” Helmick said.
Police maintain that state regulations, combined with strict department policies, place Moorhead in a solid position to utilize the technology effectively to solve local crimes without compromising citizen privacy.
