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Council debate turns to Flock cameras; members split on immediate removal vs. committee review
Summary
Councilmembers and residents debated whether to remove Flock license‑plate/surveillance cameras from Marion; a motion to instruct administration to remove all cameras was made and seconded but the chamber and public urged committee study and legal review.
An extended debate over Flock surveillance cameras dominated Marion City Council’s July 13 meeting as councilmembers, the chief of police, the law director and members of the public argued over privacy, public safety and process.
Councilmember T. Smith moved to instruct the administration to remove all Flock cameras from the city; Nathan Stevenson seconded. Supporters cited national concerns about the company’s data security and said the presence of third‑party surveillance raises constitutional and privacy issues. “The capabilities of the system do not align with constitutional rights,” Stevenson said, adding the systems can track faces and are expanding to include audio and drones, according to his research.
Opponents urged caution and a careful legal review. The law director told the council that legislative action could be taken but recommended drafting and vetting any ordinance in committee. Chief McDonald described the local deployment as static license‑plate readers that photograph the rear of vehicles and said their use has helped in recent criminal apprehensions; he said the cameras do not “toggle” or record faces from the front. “They only take a picture of the rear of the vehicle,” the chief said.
Mayor Kimball and other members urged following formal committee procedure so the council can invite the sheriff, county prosecutor and the camera vendor to provide testimony and records. Several residents urged the council to proceed carefully and not rush a change that could have legal consequences.
After extended discussion the council agreed to send the matter to the legislation/codes committee for drafting and review rather than immediately ordering removal. Councilmembers asked administration to invite the sheriff and county attorney to committee and to prepare a draft ordinance and supporting materials for committee consideration.
Next steps: The legislation, codes and regulations committee will consider a draft ordinance and invite county officials and the sheriff to provide the council with operational details and legal guidance before any formal vote.
