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Residents press Edison council on license-plate readers and privacy before vote
Summary
Residents questioned a $33,495 renewal for license-plate readers, raising hacking and privacy concerns; council members defended the devices as tools to detect stolen or unregistered vehicles and said location details won’t be public for security reasons.
Council members and residents traded questions and assurances at the May 6 Edison Township Council meeting over a resolution to renew license-plate reader software and maintenance.
At the public-comment portion on resolutions, a resident who identified himself as Ben from Edison asked the council to delay approval of the $33,495 contract renewal for 'flock safety' cameras until officials provided more detail on how many devices were installed and where. He told the council he had been told the public description of the technology differed from its operation and warned that cameras can be hacked, posing a privacy risk.
Council members and administration officials responded that the item covers license-plate readers placed at strategic entrances to the township to help identify stolen or unregistered vehicles and to notify 911 dispatch. Council member Kentos said the readers “are at the main entrances to Edison” and that publishing exact locations would undermine security by informing potential criminals where to avoid cameras.
Council leaders said they had reviewed data-security practices and that the town does not share plate-reader data with external parties. One member argued the devices have contributed to a reduction in break-ins and vehicle thefts. The administration indicated the purchase is routine maintenance and law-enforcement support rather than new surveillance expansion.
The public concern raised the question of balancing crime prevention with privacy safeguards; residents asked for more transparent information about data retention policies, third-party access and cybersecurity protections. The council’s comments emphasized law-enforcement utility and operational security, and said that the council examined those issues prior to moving ahead.
The council proceeded toward a vote on the consent agenda, which included the renewal. The meeting record shows members voting in favor of the consent agenda during roll call.
