New resident urges city to review contracts for Flock cameras, warns of privacy risks

Brendan Bradford, a new Midwest City resident, used the council’s public comment time to urge elected officials to review the city’s use of privately operated Flock camera systems and to examine whether the devices and any contractual oversight adequately protect residents’ privacy and civil liberties.

Bradford described observing numerous Flock cameras at intersections across the city and said the proliferation made him feel "paranoid" and under constant surveillance. He cited nationwide reports in which automated systems were misused or produced false positives and called for council review before contract renewals. "I feel uncomfortable every time that I have to go to the store or run errands," he said.

Mayor Rice responded that the police chief was present and invited Bradford to speak with him after the meeting to get technical details about how the cameras operate and what protections are in place. No formal council action on surveillance contracts was taken during the meeting; Bradford asked the council to consider a special session or to examine contract renewal timelines and efficacy studies.

The comment highlights community privacy concerns tied to automated camera systems; the council did not provide policy direction at this meeting but offered the public an opportunity to meet with police staff for further information.