Rochester officials received a letter from two dozen residents on the morning of Monday, August 24, requesting that the town suspend use of Flock Safety cameras and hold a public town meeting to address their privacy and data concerns. While a discussion is planned for a currently undetermined Select Board meeting, the Rochester Police Chief has rejected suspending the cameras.
Flock cameras, which can identify vehicles and temporarily store that data in a searchable police database, have seen national criticism in recent weeks as officers across the US have been charged for misusing the system. The company behind it has been accused by groups like the ACLU of “trying to build a nationwide mass surveillance system.”
In its letter, the group — which calls itself “Eyes Off Rochester” — stated that the installation of these cameras “represents one of the most significant expansions of government surveillance Rochester has ever experienced.” Twenty-four Rochester residents signed the letter.
“Every day law-abiding citizens of our town and visitors have their vehicles photographed, their license plates recorded, their locations logged, and their travel histories entered into a nationwide searchable database — not because they are suspected of committing a crime, but simply because they drove on a public road,” the letter stated. “Rochester residents were never given the opportunity to meaningfully debate whether they wanted this level of surveillance. Instead, a system capable of tracking people’s movements was implemented with no public discussion, limited transparency, and insufficient opportunity for residents to understand its implications.”
Police Chief Michael Assad defended the Department’s usage of Flock in a Facebook post on Monday, August 24, stating that, “Nearly every tool entrusted to law enforcement has the potential to be misused. That doesn’t mean we eliminate those tools; it means we establish rules.”
Assad also said the claims in the letter did not reflect the realities of the system or the police’s policies and did not warrant suspending Flock.
“I don’t believe we should discontinue a legitimate investigative tool simply because another agency somewhere else may have used that technology improperly,” said Assad. “Our decisions should be based on facts and our practices here in Rochester.
If misuse of Flock cameras occurred, such as in New Bedford where a Police Officer has been accused of stalking an ex-girlfriend through the cameras, Assad said individuals would face consequences and policies would be adjusted accordingly as needed.
He added, “If I ever become convinced that the risks of a technology outweigh its public-safety benefits, then I would reconsider using it.”
Town Administrator Cameron Durant said he does not believe the camera system will expand in the future, and the Police Chief said he would only consider expanding it “if we identify an area where an additional camera would provide a legitimate public-safety or investigative benefit.”
A public Q&A on Flock will be held by the Police Chief at the Rochester Police Station on Thursday, September 3, at 10:00 am, demonstrating the system’s capabilities, limitations, and usage.
Assad told The Wanderer, “If someone supports the technology, come see it. If someone opposes it, I especially encourage them to come. My goal isn’t to convince everyone to agree with me. My goal is to make sure people are forming their opinions based on accurate information.”
The town currently operates four cameras, located by Plumb Corner, Seasons Gas, Lloyd’s Market, and the Walnut Plain-Route 105 intersection. The cameras were installed throughout the year after the town obtained a state grant in January.
By Zakary Sarkarati