The Milwaukee Police Department has launched an online transparency portal showing how its Flock automated licence-plate reader network is used, including recent search activity, camera numbers and data-sharing arrangements. ([fox6now.com](https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-police-unveil-flock-online-portal-public))
The dashboard provides public information on the department’s data-retention policies, the number of queries carried out over the previous 30 days and the types of alerts sent to officers.
It also records the number of so-called hotlist reads during a 30-day period, the categories of offences searched for and summaries of the policies governing the technology.
MPD said the portal was created in response to common questions from the public and was intended to give residents greater visibility of the system’s operation. The department described the move as part of its commitment to transparency, accountability and the responsible use of technology. ([fox6now.com](https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-police-unveil-flock-online-portal-public))
The launch follows measures announced by MPD on August 31 to tighten controls around Flock. Access was restricted to supervisors, data-sharing with surrounding jurisdictions was ended and use of the system was limited to Part I crimes, critical missing-person cases, drug-trafficking investigations and abductions. ([urbanmilwaukee.com](https://urbanmilwaukee.com/pressrelease/statement-regarding-the-use-and-regulation-of-flock-cameras-by-mpd/))
Part I crimes include offences such as homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, vehicle theft, arson and human trafficking, according to the department.
MPD said it would continue to audit its Flock systems as the new public-facing portal provides regularly updated information about the network.
