Draper City Police Department

Message from Chief Richard Ferguson:

The Draper Police Department is committed to using technology to help keep Draper safe and to being transparent about the technology we use. We have received questions regarding our use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and wanted to provide some background.

When did the Draper Police Department begin using ALPRs?

The department began using a Flock Safety camera system in November 2025.

Who approved the use of the system?

The Flock system acquisition was approved by the city council at a public meeting and followed the City's established purchasing process. The decision was made after evaluating the technology's effectiveness in identifying vehicles used by criminals and arresting those responsible, and the ability to protect individual privacy.

Who is paying for the ALPRs?

The Flock Safety system is funded through the Police Department budget.

What is the data being used for?

The purpose of the Flock Safety system is to assist law enforcement in investigating crimes. The cameras capture photographs of the rear of passing vehicles, including the make, model, color, and other distinguishing features. No facial recognition is used or captured. During investigations, information about the suspect vehicle is entered into the database to search for matches.

Since its implementation, the Draper Police Department has successfully solved serious criminal cases with the assistance of the technology. Examples of investigations the cameras are used for are:

-Locating stolen vehicles
-Identifying vehicles associated with felony crimes
-Generating investigative leads
-Assisting in locating missing or endangered persons
-Supporting investigations involving serious/violent criminal offenses

What is the system not used for?

-Traffic enforcement
-Identifying and tracking law-abiding citizens
-Personal use by officers or staff

Who has access to the data?

Access to Flock data is limited to authorized law enforcement personnel for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Every search is logged, subject to audit, and users are accountable for complying with department policy and law. Information may be shared with other law enforcement agencies when it is directly related to a criminal investigation or another lawful public safety purpose.

The Draper Police Department values the trust we share with our community. We believe in leveraging technology to keep our city safe while respecting individuals' rights and privacy. The Flock System is one tool used to help solve crimes and keep our community safe. We remain committed to using the technology entrusted to us responsibly and transparently, and in accordance with the law.

Chief Richard Ferguson

The ALPR policy, along with other police policies and the information above, is posted on the City website at the following link:

https://www.draperutah.gov/living-in-draper-city/police-department/police-policies/

Draper Days is our favorite time of the year, with so many events that have become treasured traditions for the community.

An important part of our Draper Days preparations is safety. Draper Police, Fire, and Emergency Management coordinate with our Events staff to review safety practices and plan for emergencies.

Please review the following information before attending Draper Days events.

Lost Children

Children occasionally get separated from their families at large events. Draper Police Department recommends:

• Take a photo of your child (children) before leaving for the event so you have an image to share with officers to show what the child looks like and what they are wearing that day.
• If the child is non-verbal or unable to communicate key details, write contact information for who is responsible for supervising them at the event on a card or paper and pin it to their clothing or have them keep it in their pocket.
• Talk to your child about what they should do if you get separated. Uniformed police officers will be patrolling throughout the park. City Staff can call for an officer also. Remind children not to leave the park with someone they don’t know.

Weather Events

Events are rarely cancelled due to weather, but some severe weather incidents prompt a delay or cancellation.

• Lightning within close proximity to the event could necessitate a temporary evacuation of the area until it passes. If it is frequent and expected to continue for some time, the event may be cancelled.
• High winds or flash flooding can also prompt delays or cancellations of events.
• Trained public safety personnel monitor the weather and determine if delays or cancellations are necessary. Announcements will be made at the location if a temporary or emergency evacuation of the location is warranted. Please follow the instructions of personnel on site. Information will also be shared on City communications channels as soon as possible.

Heat

• Summer temperatures are always present during Draper Days. Bring water, use sunscreen, wear hats or other protective clothing, and take shade and rest breaks often. Free water stations will be available at Draper Park.

Traffic/Parking

• Please mind your speed and be watchful for pedestrians, especially after dark.
• Use the designated event parking areas or park legally on city streets. Please be respectful of everyone’s property.

It has been a great week of Draper Days events so far. We look forward to seeing everyone at the park events and parade in the coming days.

Have fun!

The Citizens Police Academy is designed to provide a working knowledge and background of the Draper Police Department in order to foster a closer relationship between our agency and the community. It provides an avenue for community involvement through a first-hand experience of policing with comprehensive instruction, covering a different area of the Police Department and the Justice System each week.

Register by July 20 to be part of the academy at https://www.draperutah.gov/living-in-draper-city/police-department/police-programs/citizen-police-academy/