Indianapolis, IN — April 21, 2026 — Following the City of Bloomington’s decision to end its contract with Flock Security and limit data sharing with other law enforcement agencies, Eyes Off Indiana is calling for clear, statewide safeguards on how automatic license plate reader (ALPR) data is collected, retained, and shared.

Bloomington officials announced the move after months of review and public concern regarding the use of ALPR technology, including questions surrounding data sharing practices and long-term storage of vehicle location data.

“Bloomington’s decision underscores a growing reality across Indiana: ALPR technology is being deployed without consistent statewide rules,” said Walker Lasbury, Executive Director of Eyes Off Indiana. “While these tools can support legitimate public safety efforts, they must operate within clear, enforceable standards that protect privacy and ensure accountability.”

The city’s review highlighted both the effectiveness of ALPR systems in solving serious crimes and the need for “narrow parameters, strong accountability, and clear public safeguards” if such technology is to be used responsibly.

Currently, Indiana has no statewide law governing how long ALPR data may be stored, who it may be shared with, or what transparency requirements agencies must follow. As a result, policies vary widely across jurisdictions, creating uncertainty for law enforcement and the public alike.

Eyes Off Indiana supports the responsible use of ALPR technology for legitimate public safety purposes, provided it is paired with clear limits and public accountability. The organization’s policy framework focuses on three pillars:

  • Strict Retention Limits: Non-relevant scans should be deleted after a short, defined period. Longer retention should be allowed only with a warrant or active investigation.
  • Ban on Commercial Sharing: Data collected for public safety must remain under public control. Sale, licensing, or informal sharing with private vendors or brokers should be prohibited.
  • Transparency and Oversight: Agencies should log all ALPR searches and maintain public portals showing how data is used, shared, and deleted to ensure accountability and constitutional compliance.

“Bloomington should not have to navigate these challenges alone,” Lasbury said. “Every community in Indiana deserves the same baseline protections. Establishing statewide standards will strengthen public trust while preserving the legitimate benefits of this technology.”

Eyes Off Indiana will continue engaging with lawmakers, stakeholders, and communities ahead of the 2027 legislative session to advance policies that balance public safety with privacy protections.

Read the original Indiana Daily Student article here: https://www.idsnews.com/article/2026/04/city-of-bloomington-ends-flock-contract-data-sharing-with-indiana-law-enforcement

Learn more about Eyes Off Indiana’s policy goals at https://eyesoffindiana.org.

About Eyes Off Indiana

Eyes Off Indiana, Inc. is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to protecting privacy while preserving technological progress. The organization advocates for transparent, constitutional policies governing the collection and retention of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) data across Indiana.

Media Contact

Walker Lasbury, Executive Director
walker@eyesoffindiana.org