Residents called on the city of Bakersfield to end its contracts with Flock Safety and other AI-powered surveillance technologies Wednesday, during a short City Council meeting.
There were more public commentators than time allowed Wednesday. According to the city clerk, there were seven remote requests to speak and 17 in-person.
Several of the speakers — including all but one of the remote speakers — called on the city to end its contracts with Flock Safety and other AI-powered surveillance technologies.
“Whose cameras are being fed into the (city), and what third-party integrations receive that data?” said Jason Kosper.
“I’m asking the council to pause new surveillance purchases until that request has been answered, and until the city adopts a public-use policy.”
Ward 2 City Councilman Andrae Gonzales made a referral to staff to have the city develop a policy regarding Flock and other cameras.
Several other speakers called on the council to declare Bakersfield a rule-of-law city, rejecting calls for the city to adopt “sanctuary” status committing to non-cooperation with federal authorities on immigration issues.
“When the rule of law falters, the consequences are felt across every sector,” said Angelo Frazier, a local pastor.
“Investors lose confidence, entrepreneurship dries up, corruption and resentment expand, and the public trust erodes.”
The council previously moved to end discussion of sanctuary status during its Aug. 5 meeting.
More than one speaker called on the City Council to do both: declare Bakersfield a rule of law city and cancel contracts with Flock.
The council only had one item on its action agenda Wednesday, and that item — an appeal over a 40-acre housing development in the northwest — was continued to a future meeting.
After issuing honorary proclamations for the Kern County Fair, September as Hunger Action Month and Sept. 21 as the International Day of Peace, the council adjourned after taking public comment.