Medina PD says license plate readers will help police respond faster when public safety at risk

‘Our goal is simple: keep Medina safe while respecting the rights and privacy of everyone who lives, works, and visits here.’

Press Release, Medina Police Department

MEDINA – The Village Board recently approved a lease agreement with Flock Safety to install License Plate Readers (LPRs) and PTZ safety cameras throughout the Village of Medina. We want to take a moment to explain what this means — and what it doesn’t mean — so our community has the full picture.

What these cameras are used for:

These cameras are designed to help our officers investigate crimes, locate missing persons, and respond faster when public safety is at risk. They capture license plate information and vehicle details that can be crucial when we’re trying to identify suspects, recover stolen vehicles, or respond to time-sensitive cases.

What these cameras are NOT used for:

• They do NOT issue tickets.
• They do NOT track personal movement for minor violations.
• They do NOT identify individuals or run facial recognition.
• They cannot access personal cell phones or any private data.

These cameras are strictly for investigative use after a crime or emergency has occurred.

How the system works:

Flock cameras capture license plates and important vehicle characteristics like color, make, and unique features. This information is stored securely and automatically deleted after a short retention period unless it becomes part of a criminal investigation.

Privacy Matters:

We know that privacy is important to our community. Flock Safety’s system is built with transparency in mind:

• All data belongs to the Village of Medina — not Flock or any outside company.
• Information cannot be sold or shared for commercial purposes.
• Access is limited to law enforcement and only for legitimate investigative reasons.
• Every use of the system is logged and auditable.

Why this matters for Medina:

Many communities across New York and the country are using LPR technology to solve crimes faster and deter criminal activity. Our goal is simple: keep Medina safe while respecting the rights and privacy of everyone who lives, works, and visits here.

We’ll share more information as the installation begins and will always be transparent about how these tools are used.

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to the Medina Police Department — we’re here to help.