EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Cameras powered by artificial intelligence that capture license plate data are sparking debate in El Paso, as city leaders consider whether to renew a contract for the Flock camera system.<\/p>\n
The cameras are positioned across the area and are used by police during investigations. <\/p>\n
El Paso City Rep. Lily Limon said some residents she has spoken with strongly support the technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the people that I’ve spoken to, they rave about it. And you’re really looking at situations of auto theft, kidnapping, those kinds of cases. Excellent tool,\u201d Limon said.<\/p>\n
The city has 150 Flock cameras installed using a more than $700,000 state grant that expires March 3. <\/p>\n
The current contract with Flock is set to end May 16, and City Council is expected to discuss whether to renew during Tuesday’s meeting.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: <\/a>POLL: Should the City of El Paso keep or remove license plate surveillance program?<\/a><\/p>\n While Limon said she values the cameras, she also said she wants more clarity about how the data is used and whether federal immigration authorities can access it.<\/p>\n \u201cMy focus is on how ICE is using this data? And then, in reality, is ICE able to access this data?\u201d Limon said.<\/p>\n Emily Schmalz reports on City reps considering whether to keep or remove Flock cameras (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n City officials said the cameras are used to search license plate data after a crime is reported, similar to technology the city has used since 2006.<\/p>\n Officials also said the system does not provide real-time tracking of individuals, but instead stores vehicle data for investigative purposes.<\/p>\n They said the cameras have helped investigations at a time when the police department is short-staffed.<\/p>\n Limon said she does not expect the contract to be rejected, but said she is still seeking answers before a final decision.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not believe, just my thought, that the contract will be denied. We’re at a point of gathering information. For me, tell me, give me answers to these questions. I value the cameras. I value the information that they provide to our first responders,\u201d Limon said.<\/p>\n