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Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026

Do El Paso area police departments utilize Flock license plate readers?

Brandy Ruiz, El Paso Matters
yes

At least 150 Flock Safety automated license plate readers operate throughout the city of El Paso, according to an August 2025 memo from El Paso Police Department Chief Peter Pacillas.

Flock cameras collect data such as vehicle’s make, model, color, area and license plate type, and visible damage or alterations.

In the memo to the El Paso City Council, Pacillas said the cameras help expedite investigations, recover stolen vehicles and enhance public safety. They’re part of a state grant awarded to EPPD’s Auto Theft Task Force.

The EPPD memo states the system allows “data sharing across agencies” and “other jurisdictions,” but doesn’t address specific agencies.

The Horizon City Police Department contracted with Flock for three license plate readers, the November 2024 Horizon City Council meeting minutes show. The city of Socorro Police Department has seven similar cameras under a contract with different companies, according to August 2024 agenda minutes.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the number of cameras operating under EPPD.

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