QUINCY (WGEM) – In 2023, Quincy leaders voted to install Flock license plate-reading cameras throughout the city.
Next Monday city council will vote on whether or not to renew the contract with Flock.
At Monday’s city council meeting, Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates gave a presentation about the benefits of the program.
“We had a number of public meetings when we were interested with getting the cameras in the first place,” Yates said.
In his presentation, Yates explained that the cameras capture the back of cars to see if a vehicle is stolen or if the car’s owner is wanted or missing.
“It’s not only local. It’s the regional and national network of Flock safety cameras that really makes them worthwhile,” he said.
Recently, several cities and counties have faced scrutiny for their use of Flock cameras due to security concerns. Yates said he has made the program as safe as he can.
“The audit system that is inside the camera holds audits indefinitely,” Yates explained.
Yates added last month that the cameras were able to capture the data of nearly 3 million cars. He also said the data is deleted after 30 days instead of the Illinois state law of 90 days. He said that was done intentionally to make sure data doesn’t get into the wrong hands.
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