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Commission approves $141,000 for Flock camera and shot‑detection system after privacy objections
Summary
After extended public comment and questions from commissioners, the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission approved a $141,000 annual payment for the Flock Safety system, which includes Raven shot‑detection and Falcon license‑plate readers; residents urged postponement over privacy concerns and asked for more transparency on effectiveness.
The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission voted May 11 to fund $141,000 for the annual service fee for the Flock Safety system, a package that includes Raven gun‑shot detection and Falcon license‑plate reader (LPR) cameras.
Resident Scott Mellon, who spoke during public comment and again during the agenda item, said he opposed the cameras on civil‑liberties grounds and asked the commission to delay the payment for further review. "I find this I have an issue with flock from a civil liberties perspective," Mellon said, noting municipalities that have removed Flock equipment and urging commissioners to review materials he submitted.
Police leadership defended the system as an investigative and safety tool. The chief (Michigan City Police Department) said the Raven system speeds response to shots fired and the LPRs generate leads in crimes such as shoplifting and hit‑and‑runs. He pointed commissioners to a public "Flock transparency portal" and said LPR detection data are retained for 30 days under the department's policy.
Commission members asked for performance data and were told the chief would provide statistics at the first June city council meeting and include Flock metrics in routine monthly reports. Commissioners also discussed budget treatment and whether annual maintenance could be funded through regular police budgets in future years.
After discussion the commission moved and approved the $141,000 payment by roll‑call vote. The vote was recorded as aye by Clarence Hulse, Sheila Burleson Matias, Tracy Tillman and Sherry Wilson. Some commissioners acknowledged the civil‑liberties concerns raised by members of the public while stressing the system's operational benefits.
The commission's approval continues prior support for the device network; staff and police said the funding supports ongoing software upgrades, device replacements and the Raven shot‑detection footprint the department uses for early alerts.
The chief committed to sending the commission and council a written summary of Flock‑related statistics and investigative examples showing when the system produced leads or assisted arrests.
