Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Contract Renewal

Cited documented cases of ALPR abuse and misleading claims by surveillance vendors.

Argued that public funds should be invested in addressing root causes of crime like poverty rather than corporate surveillance.

Spoke as a representative for Flock Safety, highlighting the company's role in helping police departments combat officer shortages and solve crimes.

A retired Cleveland police detective with 33 years of experience spoke in favor of the Flock cameras, noting their value in combating crime and vehicle thefts.

Spoke on behalf of the Cleveland clergy coalition, supporting safety but demanding full transparency and guardrails against data misuse or targeting of vulnerable populations.

Voiced support for the Flock cameras, emphasizing the toll of violent crime on the community and the need for regional tracking of criminals.

Shared a personal family tragedy involving a violent crime on Buckeye Road and argued that Cleveland needs all available technological tools to ensure safety.

Opposed the Flock contract renewal, arguing that private tech companies profit from citizen data and that the system benefits out-of-state agencies more than Cleveland.

Expressed serious concerns about ALPR databases being used without warrants and shared examples of misuse by law enforcement officers in other states.

Argued that mass surveillance undermines freedom and community trust, stating that safety and surveillance are not synonymous.

Highlighted technical and corporate concerns regarding private venture-backed surveillance companies prioritizing shareholders over residents.

Expressed concern that Flock cameras could be used by federal immigration authorities to target vulnerable immigrant populations.

Shared frustrations regarding unaddressed human trafficking and street crime in her neighborhood despite existing cameras.

Voiced constitutional concerns regarding data ownership and changes to Flock's terms of service.

Spoke with mixed feelings as a pastor, acknowledging privacy risks while emphasizing the acute need to protect vulnerable community members from violent crime.