“We have heard the concerns.”
During a presentation to the city public safety committee, deputy Grand Rapids police chief Michael Maycroft said Flock automatic license plate readers help solve crimes.
“Homicides, criminal sexual assault, human trafficking investigations, kidnapping, wanted subjects and stolen vehicle recovery.”
“How many of these flock cameras do we have? 31.”
The cameras take and save a picture of every passing vehicle. Flock’s Kerry McCormack says investigators can access saved data to track movements or get real time alerts.
“Your officer can put in a license plate and if that plate drives past a camera it will alert your officers in under 60 seconds.”
Over 6,000 police agencies in the U.S. use Flock cameras and share data. None of the citizens who spoke to city commissioners Tuesday night think Grand Rapids should have them.
“Flock cameras don’t just track criminals; they log the daily movements of every law-abiding citizen.”
“These cameras don’t make people feel safer they make us feel watched.”
Police chief Joe Trigg says it’s a balancing act.
“I like my privacy as well. But I also want the best tools here to have the safest city we can have.”
