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Residents urge removal of license‑plate reader cameras and raise concerns about 287(g) cooperation; call for audits and transparency
Summary
Multiple residents urged the commission to remove Flock Safety license‑plate reader cameras, demanded a public audit of data‑sharing agreements and questioned local policy toward 287(g)/ICE cooperation after an email from the police chief drew criticism.
Several public commenters used the meeting’s public‑comment period to press the City of Kalamazoo to remove Flock Safety license‑plate reader cameras and to demand transparency about data‑sharing and any agreements with federal immigration enforcement.
Ian Simpson of the Get the Flock Out of Kalamazoo campaign told commissioners the cameras “sweep up data indiscriminately” and said the software vendor stores location data that can be searched and shared. Simpson argued the cameras have been used by federal agencies and called for immediate removal of the cameras, a public independent audit of data‑sharing agreements and reinvestment of savings into community services.
Other speakers echoed concerns, pointing to an email from Police Chief Boyson that referenced 287(g) and noting city policy 4‑14 that mentions cooperation with federal Customs and Border Protection and ICE in some contexts. Speakers said the community needs clear public disclosure of contracts, internal policies and any data‑sharing arrangements. Several speakers announced plans to file Freedom of Information requests.
Commissioners did not take immediate action but acknowledged the concerns. Mayor Anderson and staff said policies exist and that public partners had been consulted; community members said the consultation was insufficient. Speakers urged the commission to block future agreements, remove cameras and produce all contracts and internal policies for public review.
