The City of Mishawaka is reaffirming its support for automated license plate-reading cameras while outlining measures intended to protect residents’ privacy and ensure appropriate use of the technology.
In a statement released Tuesday, October 20, city officials said the Mishawaka Police Department continues to use Flock Safety cameras as an investigative tool to help solve crimes, identify suspects and locate missing or endangered individuals.
The city said the technology has been particularly useful in cases involving vulnerable individuals, including people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the statement, the cameras provide vehicle information that investigators can use to develop leads and connect evidence in criminal investigations.
However, officials emphasized that information generated by the cameras must be independently verified and does not establish that someone has committed a crime.
The police department says it conducts frequent audits of Flock system activity and requires officers to document a legitimate investigative purpose for every search.
Since the second quarter of 2025, the department has also required multi-factor authentication to strengthen account security.
Additional oversight includes reviews of search justifications, user access and information-sharing settings.
City officials said Flock Safety, as the technology provider, is expected to maintain strong safeguards involving data security, access, sharing and retention.
The city also expects the company to cooperate with security reviews, address identified concerns and conduct independent testing of its protective measures.
Mishawaka officials say they will continue evaluating the effectiveness of the system and adjusting oversight procedures as the technology evolves.
The statement also emphasized that protecting constitutional rights and maintaining public confidence remain central responsibilities of the police department.
The announcement comes as the use of automated license plate-reading cameras continues to generate debate in communities over law enforcement capabilities and personal privacy.
