The Missoula City Council is weighing a new surveillance policy alongside a decision on installing security cameras in four city parks. This move follows public concern over the potential use of AI technology in these surveillance systems. The debate centers on a $366,390 contract with Pine Cove Consulting to upgrade security cameras at key locations like the Currents Aquatics Center and Fort Missoula Regional Park. Many residents have voiced objections to the AI capabilities and cloud-based storage offered by Verkada, the company providing these cameras.
In response, the council postponed the vote on this contract, originally approved on June 10, awaiting a budget amendment vote on June 22. City staff provided additional insights into the camera system and Verkada, supplemented by a FAQ sheet and the current video surveillance policy. Parks and Recreation Director Marina Yoshioka highlighted that these cameras would replace outdated equipment from 2006 and 2014 that often fail to capture usable footage, with data reviewed only post-incident and erased after 30 days.
Concerns over privacy led Council Member Bob Campbell to suggest a policy addressing transparency and accountability be established before proceeding. Missoula’s IT Director, Jesse Neidigh, pointed out the challenge of finding non-AI cameras, noting cost constraints in developing an in-house system. Chief Operations Officer Eric Hallstrom assured that the city retains full control over the encrypted data, with limited AI functions that can be audited.
Public opposition remains strong, with suggestions of designing a proprietary system devoid of external influence. Resident Holly Scott questioned the reliability of assurances against AI misuse. Council Member Gwen Jones emphasized budget and staffing limitations, urging the community to balance expectations with technological realities. Council President Mike Nugent confirmed ongoing efforts to draft a policy for future council review to address these concerns.
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