Template 01
Request Flock Safety Contract & Costs
Get the full text of your agency's Flock Safety contract, including renewal terms, total annual cost, and how it's funded.
Why this matters
Many SC agencies funded Flock cameras through civil asset forfeiture or federal grants, bypassing normal council appropriations. This request reveals the financial arrangement.
Dear [AGENCY RECORDS CUSTODIAN],
Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:
1. The complete contract between [AGENCY NAME] and Flock Safety, Inc., including all amendments, addenda, and renewal terms
2. All invoices and payment records related to Flock Safety services for the past three fiscal years
3. The funding source(s) used to pay for Flock Safety services (general fund, federal grants, civil asset forfeiture, or other)
4. Any council or commission votes authorizing the Flock Safety contract or its renewal
I request these records in electronic format where available. Per § 30-4-30(c), I ask that you notify me of any fees before processing.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL]
[DATE]
Template 02
Request Data Retention & Access Policies
Find out how long your plate data is stored, who can access it, and whether audit logs exist.
Why this matters
Flock claims 30-day local retention, but SLED keeps SC plate data for 3 years. This request reveals the full data lifecycle and who has queried your community's records.
Dear [AGENCY RECORDS CUSTODIAN],
Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:
1. All policies governing the retention, access, and deletion of data collected by automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras operated by or on behalf of [AGENCY NAME]
2. The data retention period for ALPR data held locally by [AGENCY NAME]
3. Records of any data-sharing agreements between [AGENCY NAME] and SLED's ALPR database, including the retention period applied by SLED
4. Any audit logs showing which agencies or individuals have queried [AGENCY NAME]'s ALPR data in the past 12 months
5. Any policies governing how officers may search or access ALPR data, including whether supervisory approval is required
I request these records in electronic format where available. Per § 30-4-30(c), I ask that you notify me of any fees before processing.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL]
[DATE]
Template 03
Request Camera Locations & Deployment Scope
Learn where cameras are deployed, how many exist, and whether expansion is planned.
Why this matters
Greenville PD refuses to publicly reveal camera locations. SCDOT discovered 200+ unpermitted Flock cameras on SC roads in 2024. This request establishes the scope of surveillance in your area.
Dear [AGENCY RECORDS CUSTODIAN],
Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:
1. The total number of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras currently operated by or on behalf of [AGENCY NAME]
2. The locations (street addresses or intersections) of all ALPR cameras operated by or on behalf of [AGENCY NAME]
3. Any permits obtained from SCDOT or other agencies for ALPR camera installation on public roadways
4. Any plans, proposals, or budget requests for expanding the ALPR camera network
5. Records of any cameras installed and subsequently removed, including the reason for removal
I request these records in electronic format where available. Per § 30-4-30(c), I ask that you notify me of any fees before processing.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL]
[DATE]
Template 04
Request Federal Data Sharing Agreements
Determine whether your agency shares plate data with ICE, CBP, or other federal agencies.
Why this matters
Flock secretly gave Border Patrol access to local police cameras nationwide without telling agencies. Researchers documented federal access through 'back doors' that agencies never authorized. This request reveals whether your community's data reaches federal hands.
Dear [AGENCY RECORDS CUSTODIAN],
Pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:
1. Any memoranda of understanding (MOUs), data-sharing agreements, or contracts between [AGENCY NAME] and any federal agency (including but not limited to ICE, CBP, DHS, DEA, FBI, ATF, or U.S. Marshals Service) related to automated license plate reader (ALPR) data
2. Records of any federal agency queries or searches of [AGENCY NAME]'s ALPR data in the past 24 months
3. Any correspondence between [AGENCY NAME] and Flock Safety, Inc. regarding federal agency access to ALPR data, including any notifications about Flock's federal partnership programs
4. [AGENCY NAME]'s policy on sharing ALPR data with agencies outside of South Carolina
5. Any records of [AGENCY NAME]'s participation in regional or national ALPR data-sharing networks
I request these records in electronic format where available. Per § 30-4-30(c), I ask that you notify me of any fees before processing.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL]
[DATE]