Roseburg Police to Discuss Flock License Plate Cameras at Monday Council Meeting

Roseburg police will present information Monday on the city’s network of 15 Flock automatic license plate reader cameras following public comments at recent City Council meetings.

The presentation is informational. Council is not being asked to approve new cameras or vote on the current contract.

According to the agenda packet, the cameras photograph the rear of passing vehicles and capture license plate information. Police say the system helps identify vehicles associated with such matters as stolen-vehicle reports, warrants, and missing or endangered people. The department’s presentation also describes how officers search the system during investigations.

Council authorized the original camera contract in 2023. The city signed a new two-year agreement in February 2026 that runs through Feb. 20, 2028. It costs $37,500 per year, or $75,000 over the term, for all 15 cameras. Police say that expense is included in the department’s current budget.

The packet includes the department’s policy on access, searches, data retention, and sharing. Police say camera images and plate data are ordinarily deleted after 30 days, with exceptions for material connected to an ongoing investigation or court proceeding. The presentation says Roseburg shares access with Oregon Flock partners and can assist federal or out-of-state agencies on a case-by-case basis under specified conditions. It also says the police chief conducts monthly audits.

The presentation follows passage of a 2026 Oregon law regulating law enforcement use of license plate reader systems. Council members will have an opportunity to question police about the cameras, their use, and the department’s safeguards during Monday’s meeting.

The Roseburg City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Roseburg City Hall.