At the University of Kentucky Police Department, our top priority is the safety of our community. We believe public safety and privacy go hand in hand. We are committed to using technology responsibly and clearly explaining how our policies and systems support the safety of our campus community.
Technology, Privacy & Accountability
Technology, Accountability and Trust
Our Commitment
- Use public safety technology responsibly and ethically.
- Protect and prioritize the privacy of the members of our campus community.
- Follow all applicable laws and policies.
- Limit access to sensitive information.
- Maintain oversight and accountability.
- Provide information that helps our community understand how and why technology is used.
The UK Police Department practices zero tolerance for misuse of public safety technology and is committed to carefully overseeing the use of these technologies.
Protecting our community means protecting both safety and privacy. We are committed to using technology responsibly, safeguarding personal information and being upfront about how these tools support our work.
Joe Monroe
Chief of Police, University of Kentucky
Public Safety Technology Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs)
What ALPRs do and why we use them
Automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, produced by Flock Safety, capture images of license plates and vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color. This information can help investigators identify vehicles associated with reported crimes, locate stolen vehicles and develop investigative leads.
ALPR technology is one of the many tools used to support public safety and assist UKPD and law enforcement partners in criminal investigations.
What ALPRs do not do
- Do not identify people by their faces.
- Do not identify vehicle occupants.
- Do not continuously track people.
- Do not provide live surveillance of community members.
Our Facts
Number of ALPR cameras
The UK Police Department owns 18 ALPR cameras.
Data retention period
The images captured by ALPR cameras are held for 30 days, unless they are being used for an investigative purpose.
Audit schedule
ALPR usage is audited by UKPD leadership every 90 days.
Governing policies
UKPD policy is compliant with and, in some cases, exceeds the standards outlined in House Bill 58.
Who has access
Access to ALPR data is strictly limited to a select group of personnel, including communications officers, detectives, members of the information and analytics team and administrators responsible for auditing the system.
Where the ALPRs are located
UKPD's ALPRs are intermittently located on campus property from the Limestone corridor to Alumni Drive. A map of the Flock Safety ALPRs can be found below.
Separate from the UK Police Department, UK Transportation Services owns 58 ALPRs on campus (produced by Genetec, Inc.), used exclusively for parking credentialing purposes (in lieu of or in addition to a physical parking permit) to grant vehicle parking and access authorization. Associated data is secured on a separate network from UKPD’s ALPRs and is not shared with any third parties unless there is a specific public safety incident or investigation and the information could reasonably help officers identify evidence, develop a lead, establish a timeline or locate a vehicle connected to that matter.
Public Safety Technology Drone as First Responder (DFR)
The Drone as First Responder (DFR) program allows trained UKPD personnel to deploy air support units (drones) to certain incidents before officers arrive on scene.
DFR technology provides responders with real-time aerial video that can help assess conditions, improve situational awareness and support informed decision-making during rapidly evolving incidents.
What DFR does and why we use it
The program is designed to enhance campus safety by:
- Providing real-time information during critical incidents.
- Improving emergency response and coordination.
- Helping officers assess conditions before entering potentially dangerous situations.
- Supporting searches for missing or endangered persons.
- Assisting with large events, traffic management and emergency operations.
- Enhancing responder and community safety.
What DFR does not do
- Conduct continuous surveillance of campus community members.
- Monitor individuals without a public safety purpose.
- Replace officers or emergency responders.
- Collect information unrelated to an authorized public safety mission.
Protecting privacy
UKPD is committed to balancing public safety with privacy considerations.
The DFR program operates under established policies, applicable laws and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
Key safeguards include:
- Flights are conducted for legitimate public safety purposes.
- Access to video and program data is restricted to authorized personnel.
- Flights and system activity are documented and auditable.
- Recorded video is kept for no longer than 30 days, unless being used for an investigative purpose.
- Program operations are subject to departmental oversight and review.
Public Safety Technology Campus Camera System
What it is
The University of Kentucky maintains a network of more than 5,000 cameras across campus to support safety, security and daily operations. These cameras are a critical tool in helping UKPD respond to emergencies, investigate incidents and maintain situational awareness.
Authorized personnel in the Security Operations Center (SOC) can view video feeds from cameras across campus in real time, helping responders assess situations and coordinate resources as needed. Camera footage can also provide valuable information during investigations and emergency response efforts.
To protect privacy and security, camera data is stored on a secure network with restricted access. Recorded video is retained for up to 30 days unless it is needed for an active investigation, legal proceeding or other authorized purpose.
What it is not
- Not designed to monitor day-to-day activity.
- Not used to target individuals.
- Not a facial recognition system.
- Not intended to collect information unrelated to public safety or other operational needs.
- Not accessible to the general public.
- Not used without oversight, policies and access controls.
Crime Data and Reporting
Daily Crime Log
The Daily Crime Log records crimes and alleged crimes reported to UKPD or to designated campus security authorities on campus, on certain university property and within UKPD’s patrol area. Each entry includes the type of offense, when and where it occurred, when it was reported and its status. UKPD adds crimes to the log within two business days of receiving a report.
Annual Safety and Security Report
Each year, the university publishes an Annual Safety and Security Report as required by the federal Clery Act. The report includes campus safety and security policies and procedures, along with crime statistics for the three previous calendar years. These statistics cover crimes reported on campus, on certain off-campus property owned or controlled by the university and on public property next to campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does UKPD use cameras?
UKPD uses cameras to support public safety, emergency response and criminal investigations. Cameras can help officers better understand what occurred during an incident, locate critical evidence and improve response during emergencies. They also provide situational awareness during large events, severe weather and other incidents that impact campus safety.
Why does UKPD use ALPR cameras?
ALPR cameras are used to support criminal investigations and public safety efforts. They can help identify vehicles connected to crimes, locate stolen vehicles and provide investigative leads when a vehicle is involved in a reported incident.
Can ALPR cameras identify people?
No. ALPR cameras only capture vehicle information, such as license plates and vehicle characteristics. They do not use facial recognition technology and do not identify people or people inside vehicles.
Can cameras recognize faces?
No. UKPD does not use facial recognition technology at all on campus property. The university’s camera network is used to support safety, investigations and emergency response.
Why does UKPD use drones?
The Drone as First Responder (DFR) program helps provide real-time aerial information during emergencies and other public safety incidents. A drone can often arrive at an incident before officers, allowing responders to better assess the situation, improve decision-making and enhance safety for both responders and the campus community. Drones may also assist with missing-person searches, major events, traffic incidents and emergency management operations.
How long are Flock Safety ALPR images retained?
All Flock Safety ALPR images are retained for 30 days, unless used for an investigative purpose in the interest of our community's safety.
How long is recorded video retained?
All recorded video is retained for 30 days, unless used for an investigative purpose in the interest of our community's safety.
Who can access footage?
Access to footage and related data is restricted to authorized personnel with a legitimate public safety, operational or investigative need. Policy governs access and use of these systems is subject to oversight and review.
How is my information protected?
Protecting privacy is an important part of every public safety technology program used by UKPD. Access to systems and data is restricted, activity is logged, and information is managed according to established policies and applicable laws. UKPD works to balance public safety needs with privacy considerations and responsible technology use. That is our commitment.
Can data be shared?
In certain circumstances, UKPD may share data with partner law enforcement agencies for a legitimate public safety or legal purpose. UKPD never shares data with third parties for reasons outside of this, however, all data is subject to open records request under the Freedom of Information Act.
How is technology audited?
UKPD uses oversight and review processes to help ensure technology is being used in accordance with department policy. UKPD audits responsible use of these technologies every 90 days.
What happens if technology is misused?
Misuse of public safety technology, including misuse of ALPR cameras, is not tolerated.
Alleged misuse will result in an investigation and may lead to corrective action, including possible termination.
Who oversees these programs?
UKPD oversees the operation of its public safety technologies through department leadership.
Are policies publicly available?
Can I report concerns?
Yes. We encourage our community to always report anything that does not appear right. Community members who have questions or concerns about public safety technologies are encouraged to contact UKPDAccountability@uky.edu.
Feedback, questions and concerns help support transparency, accountability and public trust.
Report your concerns to UKPD
UKPD is committed to the responsible use of public safety technology and encourages you to contact us with concerns of misconduct or misuse by emailing us or contacting our non-emergency line.
Concerns or reports regarding the department’s technology programs, privacy practices or use of public safety systems help support our commitment to accountability and trust.
Reports will be reviewed by the appropriate personnel and addressed in accordance with department policies and university procedures.