In April 2023, the Carmel City Council approved a two-year contract with Flock Safety, a manufacturer and operator of surveillance systems, to install 30 license plate reader cameras. The cameras, installed around the perimeter of the city, in town, and in some residential areas, alert police officers to suspicious activity based on flagged vehicles.
But just how many cameras were necessary, as well as concerns over privacy and aesthetics, prompted the creation of an ad hoc committee. The committee met several times over the past year to address concerns about the company and review language in the contract. Now, with the contract set to expire on March 30, the Carmel City Council met to discuss how to approach the new contract based on the findings from the committee and recommendations from Police Chief Paul Tomasi.
On Feb. 4, the council voted 4-1 to approve the recommendation from the Carmel Police Department, which includes reducing the number of leased cameras from 30 to six, with a provision to add up to six more cameras during the term of the contract, and limit spending to $30,000 over the two-year term.
However, concerns remain. “Everything I’m hearing about Flock doesn’t sound right,” said City Councilmember Bob Delves, who suggested the city explore alternatives to using the company’s surveillance cameras.
Flock, a $4 billion startup with cameras in more than 4,000 cities across 42 states, has faced multiple lawsuits for Fourth Amendment violations related to warrantless government surveillance, according to findings from the ad hoc committee.
“Everybody already uses Flock,” said Councilmember Jeff Baron, the sole dissenter of the motion, questioning whether an alternative exists, and if it does, whether it would be different. “I share the concerns raised about the company, but I have to start by saying we are where we are,” Delves said. “It’s tempting to throw the whole thing out and start over, but I don’t want to take away the tool.”
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