Resident raises privacy, data-sharing concerns about Flock cameras; council schedules Feb. 24 work session
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Summary
A Sierra Vista resident urged the council to remove or reconsider Flock surveillance cameras, alleging unlawful installs and data-sharing; council confirmed a public work session on Feb. 24 to address the cameras and field community questions.
Lucas Baer, a member of the public, told the Sierra Vista City Council on Feb. 12 he is concerned about the city's use of Flock cameras and urged officials to reconsider or remove them.
"I don't know what you folks know about this company, but they should not be trusted," Baer said, describing reports of unauthorized installations and concerns about data access by outside law enforcement. He criticized the idea of collecting broad community movement data and referenced media accounts and enforcement uses by federal agencies.
Baer told the council he had sent questions by email and said he could access live feeds on some installations elsewhere. He asked why the city would invite the company to collect data on residents. "These cameras should not be in our town," he said.
Council members acknowledged the concerns and reiterated that the issue will be addressed at a public work session on Feb. 24. Council member Mark Rodriguez encouraged people with questions to attend; the police chief (unnamed) confirmed the session and indicated staff will present information and answer questions.
The council did not take immediate action at the Feb. 12 meeting; the work session has been scheduled as the next public forum on the topic. Residents who want their concerns addressed are encouraged to attend the Feb. 24 session.
