ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its partnership with Axon after cutting its ties with Flock for its automatic license plate reader program.
Already the provider of its body cameras, digital evidence systems and mobile ALPR capability in patrol vehicles, Axon will now provide additional “vehicle intelligence tools” Flock Safety previously provided.
The sheriff’s office touted it as an “expanded partnership” bringing more tools to an “established system BCSO knows and trusts.”
“Automatic license plate readers have proven their value in serious investigations but effective technology is only part of the equation,” Sheriff John Allen said. “The public should know who controls the information, why it can be searched, how long it is kept and how every use is reviewed. Our expanded partnership with Axon allows us to continue using an important public-safety tool while strengthening those safeguards.”
BCSO’s said its goal is to begin implementing the expanded Axon ALPR system before the end of 2026, subject to contracting, procurement, configuration, testing and training.
BCSO believes Axon is a better ALPR model
BCSO explained they chose Axon to replace Flock. According to BCSO, that model gives them control over its ALPR data, retention settings and sharing decisions.
“Information is not automatically pooled into a national database and sharing is off by default. If BCSO authorizes sharing with another agency, that access can be limited, reviewed and revoked,” BCSO stated. “Access can also be restricted by user role. System logs document who accessed information, what action was taken, when it occurred and the stated reason. These controls allow supervisors and investigators to review system activity and identify any use that does not comply with agency policy.”
Flock came under fire for having a nationwide network where ALPR data could be shared with jurisdictions in other states – with different laws – without certain permissions.
BCSO said Axon’s vehicle intelligence platform allows them to use multiple cameras from vehicles, fixed positions, and partners to work within BCSO’s existing digital evidence and real-time crime center systems.
The sheriff’s office also pointed to Axon’s external Ethics and Equity Advisory Council as a better way of checking how public-safety technology is developed and deployed.
Public safety and privacy
BCSO policy states it only permits a license plate search when it is tied to a criminal investigation. Under the policy, searches are limited to authorized personnel and require case numbers.
“The public should not have to choose between solving violent crime and protecting privacy,” Sheriff Allen said. “Our responsibility is to do both. A powerful tool needs clear limits, controlled access and meaningful oversight.”
BCSO said it maintains an audit process in which ALPR activity is reviewed. To date, BCSO said zero deputies have been disciplined for suspected ALPR abuse.
“Zero discipline does not mean zero oversight,” Sheriff Allen said. “It means our controls, training and audits have worked to date. We will continue reviewing how the system is used, and abuse will not be tolerated.”
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