The Kent County Sheriff’s Office began using Flock cameras in 2022 and now manages 62 cameras throughout the county.
The office said the new online transparency portal will “provide clear, accessible information about its automated license plate recognition program.”
Undersheriff Bryan Muir stated, “I have seen firsthand how Flock has helped our investigators solve serious crimes and bring answers to victims and families in Kent County. The public deserves to know how this technology is used, what limits are in place, and how we hold ourselves accountable.”
Additionally, the Grand Rapids Police Department launched its own transparency portal after the city recently stated it would increase oversight over the cameras.
At Tuesday’s city commission meeting, many residents thanked the council for taking steps to be more transparent, while others, like Grand Rapids resident John Malloy, think more should be done.
“The people being watched deserve as much influence as the people selling the cameras. I appreciate that public pressure moved Grand Rapids to place this technology under its surveillance policy, but it cannot be the end. Please, freeze expansion and outside sharing. Publicly examine the human consequences and choose not to renew the Flock contract.”
The city’s Flock contract will expire in June.
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