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Codington County commissioners approve Flock Safety license-plate reader contract amid privacy concerns
Summary
After public testimony and an extended presentation, the Codington County Board of Commissioners approved a two-year contract with Flock Safety for automatic license-plate readers (four stationary and 12 vehicle cameras) at an annual cost of $21,700; critics warned of privacy and data‑sharing risks and asked for external audits.
Codington County commissioners voted April 28 to approve a two-year contract with Flock Safety for an automatic license-plate reader (ALPR) system after a public presentation, video materials from Flock, and public comments urging caution.
James Simmons, a frequent public commenter, framed his opposition as evidence-based, telling the board he found “no evidence” that the systems reliably reduce crime or locate missing children and arguing they pose meaningful risks of misuse and broad data access. “They can do so much more than simply capture a license plate,” Simmons said, adding that known cases exist where authorized users abused access to stalk others and that public‑records requests show third‑party data sharing in some jurisdictions.
Doug Allen, a Watertown resident, echoed cost and operational concerns, saying officers spent time clearing false alerts and that the city’s bundled purchase—he said previously exceeded $1…
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