Drivers in one Connecticut city are now likely to pass by automated license plate readers while on the road. Those cameras, made by Flock Safety, are the focus of a special meeting for the city’s police and leaders.
The meeting in Milford is expected to last several hours as leaders grapple with concerns of public safety and privacy.
“I think it’s kind of an invasion of privacy. There’s enough cameras everywhere we go. It’s kind of unnecessary to be reading every plate that drives by,” said Nico Ramos, of Ansonia.
Frankie Medrano, of the Bronx, agrees.
“Flock cameras are just gonna invade privacy. Make people feel more restricted. Not too fond of it,” Medrano said.
But in Milford — where three cameras have already been vandalized — the Police Department Employees’ Union wrote in an open letter that countless arrests have been made because of the technology. The union added that “shutting down essential safety systems puts police officers and the community alike at risk.”
Stemming from concerns nationwide about privacy, Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley announced changes last week to how long the data will be stored. For new customers using the cameras, data will now only be stored for seven days, instead of 30.
Police also must enter an active case number before running any plate. And any questionable use of the system will be automatically flagged. It comes after a former police officer in Milwaukee pleaded guilty to using Flock cameras to track his ex-girlfriend.
“We want to continue to push privacy forward too. And so for us, these changes are the next chapter in a long book I hope to write on how we build a better version of America that’s safer, protects our privacy, and holds those who have power accountable,” Langley said.
The mayor of Milford has called for a moratorium on new cameras until city leaders meet on Aug. 27. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has called for a statewide review of license plate readers. In October, a new state law will require stricter privacy protections and limit data sharing.
Another Connecticut town, Bethel, also recently announced a temporary moratorium on new cameras.