Council addresses social‑media claims about license‑plate reader system; police say data retention is capped at 30 days

Murfreesboro — During other business on May 21 a council member raised social‑media concerns about the city’s license‑plate‑reader (LPR) program (referred to in the meeting as the Flock system) and asked staff to clarify how it is used.

The council member said there has been public discussion suggesting the system was implemented secretly and that residents were worried about surveillance. ‘‘There’s been a lot of talk on social media about our Flock system and us doing that behind closed doors and not involving the public,’’ the council member said.

Chief Owen and other staff responded that the program had been discussed in open meetings, included in budget documents and is described on the city’s website. ‘‘The use of the LPR system is basically if we have something to investigate, we’ll go to that system and we will retrieve that information based on an investigation,’’ Chief Owen said, adding the city limits retention to 30 days to address privacy concerns even though state law allows up to 90 days.

Council members suggested continuing outreach — including town halls — to explain the system and its controls. Staff said they will continue to publish policy information and respond to public questions.

The exchange concluded with council members thanking police for their service and agreeing staff should continue public engagement on the topic.