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The North Branch Police hope to subscribe to the automated license plate reader service that the other law enforcement agencies in Chisago County currently utilize. The devices are installed by and linked to the “Flock” data system.  They communicate with a database of license plate numbers identified for various reasons. The list is generated from license revocations, cancellations, suspensions, vehicle theft, vehicles used in suspected abductions, warrants sought on registered owners, and other triggers. 

North Branch Chief of Police Dan Meyer explained to the city council last week the readers are proving themselves to have “valid uses.”  Other departments have found the license plate data valuable in knowing who is traveling within the county in a stolen vehicle, for example.  Identifying plates cross referencing an updated list of sought after numbers provides police with pro-active tools and officers can better target their efforts, the chief added.

Chief Meyer said the city has a financial balance in the state appropriated public safety monies, that were distributed in the recent past, in an attempt to share “surplus” revenues. The initial  costs for a three-year trial contract with the Flock system can be covered using this money, outside of local levy.  

The solar powered cameras and system connections are about $3,000 for each device and Meyer requested seven cameras.  The $21,000 is per year in the three year base contract.  

This also gives the department a good idea of what the devices can offer as sort of a trail program.

Proposed locations to install the Flock system are on the east and west ends of Highway 95, and on the south entry to the city on County Road 14 and on the north and south ends of both Highway 61 and  ramps into the city from Interstate 35.

The cameras record license plate information, they do not provide driver video or facial recognition,  or develop evidence for traffic offenses, such as clocking for speeding.  

Flock relies on ‘hot list’ data for sought after plates,  entered by participating agencies and the information is deleted every 30 days if not being retained as evidence for a criminal prosecution.

Meyer displayed the Wyoming City  Department’s “transparency portal” design and the type of information being shared and said North Branch can do something similar.  Access to the device-generated information is restricted.  (See Press story on no ICE access to local plate readers February Feb. 12.)

Council consensus was for Chief Meyer to move forward and develop a public information process, schedule a public meeting and report back.  Unlike state law regulating body worn camera use, which mandated a public hearing, the automated license plate reader public info meeting is optional,  but Meyer felt it should be part of this process.  The devices could be installed as soon as the policy and contracts are finalized.

Mayor Kevin Schieber commented that  the biggest city in Chisago County (North Branch) probably should have had these sooner.

The county sheriff contracts for 15 devices in the rural service areas.  Rush City has several,  while the sheriff is negotiating with other contract-deputy cities. There are four license plate readers in Lakes Area Police territory and four in Wyoming City law enforcement service area.

In other matters: Council agreed there should be standardized contract language in the non-union position agreements offering Cost of Living wage terms.  Just two jobs are affected under this category and the COLAS were recommended by council to adhere to whatever the Teamsters negotiate.  

And, the finances of the city are in good shape exiting 2025 and almost ending the first quarter.  Finance Director Sharon Wright reported investments are earning an average 3.9 percent return and enterprise funds (sewer water etc.) are “doing well.”

The council had requested more frequent fiscal updates and members thanked her for the new document format.

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