Flock cameras can help law enforcement find suspects, recover missing people, and solve serious crimes.

The murder of Aniah Blanchard provides a powerful Alabama example of how license plate reader technology can assist an investigation.

But that doesn’t mean law enforcement should get unlimited access to massive databases containing years of information about where people have traveled.

That’s where Alabama needs guardrails.

Shorten data-retention periods. Regularly audit who accesses the system. Create serious penalties for officers who misuse it to track girlfriends, exes, acquaintances or anyone else for personal reasons.

There is a reasonable middle ground between unlimited government surveillance and ripping every Flock camera out of the ground.

Keep the useful law-enforcement tool.

Control the database.

Punish the abuse.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.