Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Wednesday that aims to establish parameters around the misuse of automated license plate readers, including the street-level Flock camera system used in Columbia and many other cities.

The signing, known as Executive Order 26-18, comes after months of deliberation on how to best implement government surveillance systems throughout the state of Missouri, including in Columbia, where a $500,000 contract with Flock Safety was approved in October of 2024.

Law enforcement is now required to delete collected license plate reader data within 30 days of capture, unless the vehicle data is being utilized in an active and ongoing investigation. Agencies must also ensure that vendors, including Flock Safety, are contractually obligated to permanently delete data within 30 days of collection.

The Columbia Police Department agreed with Kehoe’s response and shared its own approach to promoting privacy while maintaining civility in Columbia. The Police Department has already issued safeguards to local surveillance and adheres to most of the regulations as stipulated in the executive order.

“Technology can make us more effective, but with that capability comes a responsibility to use it appropriately and transparently,” Police Chief Jill Schlude said in a news release.

The order also prohibits use of government sanctioned license plate reader data by third-party entities for any purpose, and warns that data may only be accessed for legitimate criminal justice purposes, including lifesaving measures. Missouri government employees are now prohibited from using artificially intelligent facial recognition software to supplement the data.

“Protecting citizens also means protecting their constitutional rights,” Kehoe said in a news release.

Kehoe concluded the executive order by charging Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety Mark James with the responsibility of enforcing executive regulations regarding license plate readers and encouraging the development of a legislative proposal to solidify privacy regulations.

Flock Safety issued a news release in response to Kehoe’s order, expressing support for his actions and reflecting the company’s commitment to public safety.

State House Speaker Jon Patterson also praised Kehoe for his dedication to citizen privacy. Patterson also emphasized the necessity for additional legislation by the Missouri General Assembly.

While House Democrats supported Kehoe’s opposition to Flock cameras, they expressed concern that Kehoe’s executive order may be unsatisfactory in protecting citizen privacy without comprehensive legislation.

“If this was an actual priority for the governor, he could have called a special session on the issue for today while lawmakers are already in the Capitol for veto session. He instead chose to issue a press release full of promises he has no authority to keep,” House Minority Leader Ashely Aune said in a news release. “House Democrats look forward to taking substantive action to address the unlawful and unrestricted use of these cameras when the legislature reconvenes in January.”