By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Salina Commissioners voted 4-1 to renew a 3-year contract with Flock Safety for Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs)
ALPRs were implemented within the city of Salina in 2023.
The city entered 3-year agreement with Flock Safety for the installation, leasing and maintenance of 22 fixed automatic license plate readers for a cost of $169,950.00 as well as 2 portable automatic license plate readers for a cost of $18,000.00.
That contract expired in April 2026 and a contract approval and renewal were required for continued service. Since 2023, the 3-year subscription price has increased to $198,000.00 for 22 fixed ALPRs and $21,000.00 for 2 portable ALPRs.
ALPRs are used to identify suspect vehicles, recover stolen vehicles, locate wanted individuals, and develop investigative leads in criminal cases.
According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), continued use of this system is essential to maintain operational effectiveness and avoid disruption in investigative capabilities. Furthermore, that ALPR data has contributed to numerous investigations by providing timely and actionable information. The system’s ability to search partial license plates and vehicle characteristics—such as make, model, color, and unique identifiers—has proven especially valuable when witness information is limited.
“The system itself does not give any red flags,” said Kyle Tonniges of the Salina Police Department.
Many members of the public expressed their disapproval of the ALPRs and urged Commissioners not to renew the contract.
Comments from the public:
“We are told simply to trust, even though nationwide, there is plenty of evidence to support reasonable suspicion.”
“The system can be hacked and the idea that this going to be protected information, hogwash.”
“I think we need to quit giving away our liberties and freedom in any interest of safety.”
“This issue is not about being for or against law enforcement; public safety matters to all of us. The question before the commission is whether mass surveillance of ordinary residents is an acceptable price for that safety.”
SPD Chief C.J. Wise responded by discussing the safeguards in place and that the ALPRs give officers “another set of eyes” for crime-related events.
He turned to the crowd and said he appreciated hearing the concerns from the public, because he would have felt the same way too.
Commissioner Doug Rempp said to his fellow commissioners that the trust factor in representing the community is "not high," before voting to deny the renewed contract.
City Attorney Patrick Hoffman said they can consider looking at best practices and tightening the ALPRs policies within the Law Enforcement Citizens Review Board.