Independence residents push back on Flock cameras

INDEPENDENCE, Ky. (WXIX) - Independence residents confronted city leaders Monday night over the use of Flock license plate readers, raising concerns about artificial intelligence and privacy.

The meeting drew a packed room and a tense debate.

One resident asked whether data fed into the system is processed through artificial intelligence.

“The information fed, the data that’s searched does that go through AI? It would go through AI system, so would it be fair to argue that that AI is machine learning off of that information? I would assume so. So then it’s not deleted after 30 days?” the resident said.

Police, Flock pitch cameras as crime tool

Police Chief Brian Ferayorni and a representative from Flock presented the license plate readers as a tool against crime, saying the system uses FBI databases to track stolen cars or find missing or endangered people.

Neighbors said they are concerned about a digital paper trail.

“The data the pictures are deleted after 30 days, but that AI remembers and tracks every movement you make across the city and across the country,” one resident said.

Residents question oversight of private tech company

Another point of friction raised at the meeting was who regulates a private technology company.

“Outside laws outside the Constitution and affect us so what have you all done to make sure that’s not going to happen what do we have in place with this company what you promised us,” a resident said.

City leaders respond

City leaders said Flock does not use facial recognition and will not track individuals. The mayor told residents that privacy safeguards are in writing.

“You can read the policies and safeguards we’ve put in place and in addition to that, we have a contract, so and I’ve heard that discussion too: management can change, presidents can change, boards can change, but contracts don’t change,” the mayor said.

No official decisions were made at the meeting. City leaders said it was strictly a listening session. Many in the crowd left still waiting for answers.

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