In a recent Oak Park Village Board meeting, community leaders and residents voiced strong opposition to the continued use of Flock Safety's license plate reader cameras, citing significant racial disparities and inaccuracies in their operation. The discussions highlighted that over 75% of drivers stopped due to these cameras were Black, despite Black residents comprising less than a quarter of the village's population. This alarming statistic indicates a disproportionate impact on the Black community, raising concerns about systemic racism and the effectiveness of the surveillance technology.

Community members presented a letter signed by over 100 residents, which detailed findings from the Citizen Police Oversight Committee and Freedom to Thrive Oak Park. The letter emphasized that the cameras have not improved safety and have instead led to numerous erroneous stops, primarily affecting Black drivers and passengers. The data revealed that all but one of the documented erroneous stops involved Black individuals, raising questions about the accountability of the police department and the ethical implications of using such surveillance technology.

Several speakers, including representatives from the Asian American community, expressed solidarity with their Black neighbors, condemning the cameras as tools of racial profiling. They called for the immediate cancellation of the contract with Flock Safety, urging the village to redirect resources towards community-led safety initiatives rather than perpetuating a system that disproportionately harms marginalized groups.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for equitable public safety solutions and a reevaluation of the village's commitment to racial justice. As the board considers the future of the Flock camera program, community members are advocating for a shift towards non-police mental health response teams and other supportive measures that align with the values of equity and community well-being.