BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A growing debate over Bakersfield’s expanding network of Flock license plate reader cameras drew a packed room Wednesday night, as residents and organizers questioned how much surveillance is too much.
The Kern County Criminal Justice Coalition held the community conversation while the Bakersfield City Council continues discussions about expanding the city’s Flock camera network.
Flock camera community discussion.
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The Anti Capitalist Computer Club led the discussion, and people on both sides of the issue attended, with some attendees chanting, “No mass surveillance!”
Organizers began by explaining how Flock cameras capture vehicle information and how that data can be searched by law enforcement.
They also raised questions about how long that information is stored, who can access it, and how it can be shared with other agencies.
Jason Cosper, co-founder of the Anti Capitalist Computer Club, said the group wanted to give residents a chance to voice their concerns.
“We really just want to let people get their voices heard,” Cosper said. “Especially as there is the real time information center that they are building out now.”
Privacy was another major concern raised during the meeting.
Bakersfield police said a network of license plate reader cameras is helping investigators solve crimes faster, but expanding the city’s contract could cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Eyewitness News took a closer look at who has access to the data, how it’s being used, and whether the system is helping solve crimes. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Tyler Hess who is against flock cameras, said the cameras make him feel like his movements are constantly being tracked.
“The fact that anywhere I go in town, it is constantly watching, it’s checking where I’m going, it’s checking where my friends and family are going, and I just, I hate the privacy concerns of it, is what it comes down to,” Hess said.
Hess also said concerns about potential misuse go beyond Bakersfield.
“A lot of misuse is happening all around the United States in many forms, whether you are against them or for them. It still concerns nonetheless for people, so that’s the biggest issue,” he said.
The meeting also questioned whether the city has enough privacy rules and safeguards in place as the technology expands.
Organizers said they still want more direct community input about how the technology is used and where the system goes from here. They said they plan to continue attending City Council meetings and are encouraging residents who have concerns to do the same.