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Board tables police advisory council amid public pressure over Flock camera privacy
Summary
After extended public comment criticizing Flock camera data-sharing and demanding stronger oversight, the Town of Cheektowaga board tabled a resolution that would create a Police Department Community Advisory Council and agreed to refine the proposal with community input.
A resolution to establish a Cheektowaga Police Department Community Advisory Council, sponsored by a council member, was presented and then tabled after lengthy public comment raised concerns about the council’s authority and the police department’s use of third‑party camera data.
Several residents and advocates told the board they were dissatisfied with the town’s prior handling of Flock Safety camera contracts and alleged wide data-sharing. “We exposed that this data was being shared with 2,600 outside organizations,” activist Jess Greenwald said, accusing the town of inadequate oversight and urging a civilian body with investigative and accountability powers rather than a purely advisory panel.
Other residents who supported police-public engagement urged the board to craft structured bylaws and community access. One resident described the proposed council as a constructive forum; another urged that membership and selection rules be transparent and nonpartisan.
Why it matters: The issue combines privacy concerns around automated license-plate recognition and video analytics with community demands for civilian oversight or stronger transparency. Several residents urged the town to adopt stricter data-retention and access rules for Flock data and to consider granting vetted civilian reviewers the ability to see operations beyond publicly visible summaries.
Board action: Citing public concerns and the need for community input on bylaws and membership, a council member moved to table the resolution. The motion to table carried; sponsors said they will work with staff and residents to refine the council’s powers and membership criteria and to return a clearer, community‑informed draft.
What to watch: Sponsors and staff plan to circulate a companion resolution with detailed bylaws and an application process; residents asked for an open drafting process and for the town to publish proposed data‑sharing restrictions and retention policies before any council is finalized.
