How to Report a Flock Camera You Found: Field Tagging & Verification Guide

Immediate Answer: How to Report an Unmapped Camera

If you spot a Flock Safety camera or automated license plate reader that does not appear on our live map, you can add it to the global open data repository:

1. Record the Exact GPS Coordinates: Pull over safely or stand near the pole and use your smartphone's compass or map app to drop a pin.
2. Note the Camera's Orientation: Determine which direction the camera lens is pointing (e.g., North, South, East, West, or approximate degrees 0°–359°).
3. Identify the Power Source & Mounting: Note whether the unit is mounted on a standalone pole, utility pole, or streetlight, and whether it uses a solar panel or AC power.
4. Submit via OpenStreetMap: Add a node on OpenStreetMap using standard surveillance tags:
• man_made = surveillance
• surveillance:type = ALPR
• operator = Flock Safety (or local police agency)
• camera:direction =
• camera:mount = pole

Once added to OpenStreetMap, our automated ingestion engine will index the camera and display it on our live interactive map within the next data cycle.

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Essential Field Data to Collect

To ensure community verification meets high standards:

• Latitude & Longitude: Recorded in decimal degrees to at least 5 decimal places (e.g., 34.05223, -118.24368).
• Lens Azimuth Heading: The compass direction the lens is pointed (0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West).
• Mount Hardware: Standalone pole, streetlight mast, wooden utility pole, or trailer.
• Power Configuration: Photovoltaic solar panel or hardwired AC photocell tap.
• Operating Entity / Decals: Any visible agency asset tags, police department seals, or HOA markings on the pole.

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Recommended Mobile Mapping Tools

• Every Door (iOS & Android): A streamlined mobile editor designed specifically for mapping roadside infrastructure and amenities.
• Go Map!! (iOS): A feature-rich OpenStreetMap editor for iPhone and iPad allowing instant node creation and tag assignment.
• Vespucci (Android): An advanced, comprehensive GIS editor for Android devices.
• FlockCamerasMap Report Portal: You can also use our Report a Camera form to submit roadside photos and coordinates directly to our verification team.

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OpenStreetMap Tagging Taxonomy

When adding an ALPR camera to OpenStreetMap, use the standard community schema:

man_made = surveillance
surveillance:type = ALPR
surveillance:kind = civic
operator = Flock Safety
camera:mount = pole
camera:direction = 180
power_source = solar

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Legal Protections for Field Mappers

Citizens often ask if photographing public roadside cameras is legal:

• First Amendment Protection: Taking photographs of cameras, utility poles, and public infrastructure from public sidewalks and roadways is fully protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (Glik v. Cunniffe, Turner v. Driver).
• Safety Guidelines: Never trespass on private property, never tamper with physical camera equipment, and always prioritize vehicular safety when stopping near roadways.