MARCH 19, 2026 — During the March county board meeting, Administrator Jane Klekamp addressed questions about "flock cameras"—the local term for Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)—clarifying how these law enforcement tools are used in La Crosse County and emphasizing the importance of local control over their deployment.

What Are Flock Cameras?
Flock cameras are a law enforcement tool utilized by many law enforcement agencies across the country. Despite their name, they are not staffed 24/7 and are deployed for specific, situational purposes.

Limited and Specific Use Cases
These devices are activated in targeted situations, particularly for Amber Alerts or Silver Alerts—emergency notifications issued when a person or vehicle matching specific criteria needs to be located. The cameras help law enforcement quickly identify vehicles or license plates associated with these alerts.

Local Control and Varied Implementation
A key point Klekamp emphasized is that each municipality determines whether and how Flock cameras are used within its jurisdiction. This means usage varies significantly across different cities, villages, and towns.

The La Crosse County Sheriff's Office currently operates three cameras within the county.

A Resource for Questions
Klekamp also noted that residents with questions about technologies like Flock cameras or other county services can reach out to her office for guidance, as she can help direct inquiries to the appropriate department or agency.

The clarification underscores the county's commitment to transparency about law enforcement tools and the principle that local communities maintain control over how such technologies are deployed in their areas.