In a decisive move reflecting community sentiment, Flagstaff City Council has opted to discontinue its automated license plate camera initiative. This decision, reached unanimously, was announced following a meeting characterized by extensive public feedback and growing privacy concerns.
The immediate deactivation of the system by the city’s police department is underway, with plans to collaborate with Flock Safety to dismantle the 11 installed cameras by 2024. The council’s action comes after a period marked by significant public opposition and a citizen petition urging the cessation of the program.
During the council meeting, residents expressed substantial concerns about privacy and questioned the reliability of Flock Safety as a partner. Councilmember Khara House acknowledged the potential utility of the system but highlighted apprehensions about the “lion’s den of potential problems” it could introduce.
Mayor Becky Daggett also supported the council’s decision, saying, “While I believe that these cameras are a useful law enforcement tool and that victims of crime deserve every tool possible, I think we need to cancel the contract at this time. I’m not saying ‘no’ to the technology forever. However, a decision must be made tonight, and it’s clear that we need more debate and answers.”
The cameras, which had been set up the previous year, automatically captured images of passing vehicles and processed this data using an AI-powered crime database. In response to the growing controversy, the Flagstaff City Council had earlier formed a working group in October to examine the implications of these automated cameras.
This working group will continue its efforts, potentially offering new insights and recommendations regarding future automated license plate camera programs. Although Flagstaff’s decision impacts cameras operated by the city, entities such as Northern Arizona University, state agencies, and private businesses are still utilizing these cameras in the area.
Similarly, the Sedona City Council terminated its contract with Flock Safety in September, citing comparable privacy issues raised by its residents.
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