Flock cameras such as the one pictured above have been installed at border entrances/exits of all Barrington Hills roads.
By Sean Reed | The Center Square
Across the country, opposition to license plate cameras created by Flock Safety is mounting. Major cities and small communities alike are deciding to end their contracts with the company – Illinois being no exception.
Cities in Illinois, such as Oak Park and Evanston, have chosen to end contracts with the company, even as police departments have said they’re a useful tool in law enforcement.
In Springfield, aldermen were at odds in recent weeks over an ordinance to renew their contract with Flock for two years, costing taxpayers half a million dollars.
On Tuesday, council passed the measure while allowing for more transparency and regular public reports on the cameras’ effectiveness.
“It’s some simple things, and I’m just asking that to be standard and be given to us on multiple things. Transparency, equitable – making sure that these things are fair – and also reporting back to us so we as a council can, come budget time, look to address these things,” said Alderman Shawn Gregory.
Gregory was opposed to renewing the contract, but he said he was able to draft a plan for transparency based on guidance from organizations like the ACLU.
The council negotiated changes with the police department during the meeting, and passed it with two members opposed to any stipulations.
In contrast, the Madison, Wisconsin, area recently ended their partnership with Flock over data privacy risks and outside access.
Article continues here.
Editorial note: CNET published an excellent article last month titled, “When Flock Surveillance Comes to Your Town: Everything to Know About These Cameras.”
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