Residents and council members raise privacy concerns about Flock license‑plate readers; police describe safeguards

Privacy and oversight questions about the city’s Flock license‑plate reader cameras came up repeatedly at Charlotte’s March 9 council meeting.

During staff reports, Police Chief Brentar said the Flock policy was adopted before the system was installed and described operational limits: cameras are configured to track stolen vehicles or plates, missing people (including Amber and Silver alerts) and people with warrants; data are deleted after 30 days; and officers must have a complaint number and justification to access camera information. He said the agency conducts audits and supervisory oversight and that officers must visually verify information before taking action.

Council Member Rodriguez raised concerns about privacy and referenced reported misuse of similar systems elsewhere. Public commenters echoed that concern: John Laupp stated Flock camera records are public under Michigan law and asked about homeowner notification for the water‑meter replacements; Janine Scott asked about Flock camera performance and data security.

Chief Brentar’s description of safeguards was the primary response recorded in the meeting minutes; no policy change or new restrictions were adopted at the meeting. Council discussion indicated interest in public education and oversight, and several council members asked for additional information in future staff reports.