08/03/2026
The Council Bluffs Police Department has released updated information through its public Flock Safety Transparency Portal, giving residents a look at how the city’s license plate reader camera system is being used. (Flock Safety Transparency)
Here are a few highlights from the latest report:
• 📍 37 Flock cameras are currently operating throughout Council Bluffs.
• 🚗 383,413 vehicles were detected over the past 30 days.
• 🔎 Officers conducted 424 investigative searches to assist with criminal investigations.
• 🚨 The system generated 11,294 hotlist alerts tied to vehicles associated with NCIC and AMBER Alert databases. (Flock Safety Transparency)
One of the biggest advantages of the Flock system is its shared law enforcement network. Council Bluffs officers can securely share and receive investigative information with dozens of agencies, including:
• Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office
• Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
• Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office
• Nebraska State Patrol
• Iowa Department of Public Safety
• Iowa Department of Corrections
• Des Moines Police Department
• Cedar Rapids Police Department
• Davenport Police Department
• Sioux City Police Department
• Grand Island Police Department
• Kearney Police Department
• South Sioux City Police Department
• Carter Lake Police Department
• Glenwood Police Department
• Fremont County Sheriff’s Office
The network also includes more than 80 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, New York, and beyond—including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This allows investigators to quickly identify vehicles connected to crimes that may cross city, county, or state lines. (Flock Safety Transparency)
According to the department, the cameras are used to investigate crimes after they occur and to alert officers when a vehicle associated with a wanted person or other law enforcement bulletin enters the area. The department also states that the system does not use facial recognition, is not used for traffic enforcement, and license plate data is retained for 30 days. Every search requires a documented law enforcement reason and is logged for accountability. (Flock Safety Transparency)
Supporters say technology like this has become another valuable tool for law enforcement, helping recover stolen vehicles, locate suspects, find missing persons, and solve crimes faster. The transparency portal also allows the public to review policies and usage statistics, giving residents insight into how the system is being used.
Do you support the use of Flock Safety cameras in Council Bluffs? Tell us why or why not in the comments.