From left: House Speaker Jonathan Patterson, Gov. Mike Kehoe, Lt. Gov. David Wassinger (Photo by Tim Bommel, House Communications)
Governor Mike Kehoe has signed an executive order that places new limits on how law enforcement agencies use automated license plate reader cameras, including Flock Safety cameras.
The cameras help police investigate crimes by recording license plates and vehicle information. But the governor says there are growing concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of data on law-abiding citizens. The executive order directs the Missouri Department of Public Safety to create statewide rules for agencies that use the technology until lawmakers can pass a permanent law governing its use.
Under the order:
- Most license plate and vehicle data must be deleted within 30 days.
- Companies that operate the systems cannot sell, share, or profit from Missouri-generated data.
- The technology can only be used for legitimate law enforcement and public safety purposes.
- Officers who misuse the data could face disciplinary action, criminal charges, or loss of certification.
- The systems cannot be connected to AI facial recognition technology.
Kehoe said Missouri should not maintain long-term records of where citizens travel, who they visit, or their everyday activities. At the same time, he emphasized that the cameras remain a valuable tool for solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and finding missing people.
The executive order directs the Missouri Department of Public Safety to create statewide rules for agencies that use the technology until lawmakers can pass a permanent law governing its use.
