Residents urge Westland to pause Flock Safety camera program, demand independent audit

Several Westland residents used the June 1 public‑comment period to urge the council to halt or audit the city’s Flock Safety automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) program and any AI‑enabled surveillance contracts.

Speakers described national audits and reporting that, they said, show wide data access by out‑of‑state agencies, insecure live streams and significant error rates in plate reads. "Flock and similar vendors lack transparency with the public and their services are not secure," one commenter said during public comment. Another technical speaker warned that corporate incentives could lead vendors to monetize movement data.

Community advocates asked the council to decline contract renewals or to require an independent audit before further spending, arguing taxpayer money would be better invested in housing, food support and community services that directly reduce crime. "Before the city spends taxpayer money on invasive surveillance, we need audited reports proving the system actually works," a speaker from the Bane Citizens Council said.

Council members acknowledged the concerns and said they will review the issues raised; several councilors and the mayor invited staff to bring more information about the program's costs, data‑sharing agreements and demonstrated crime‑reduction outcomes.

What happens next: Residents requested a vote or audit; council members asked staff to provide background and legal context for Flock usage, data access and cost. No formal motion to suspend the program was recorded at the June 1 meeting.