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Commissioner urges public review of proposed surveillance software and cameras
Summary
A commissioner asked the town to pause and publicly review a proposed surveillance camera/software purchase, raising concerns about potential misuse, data storage and indemnification; staff said an invoice had been paid but no formal contract was in place and recommended a future public agenda item.
A Jupiter Inlet Colony commissioner asked the commission to delay implementation of new camera/software equipment and to schedule a public discussion after residents raised questions, saying the town should perform more due diligence about how data are stored, shared and used.
The commissioner said there are concerns the system could be misused and requested a full airing of the software, including indemnification and contract terms. Staff responded that questions had come in after an email prompting registration, that there is currently only an invoice in the files (no long-form contract in place according to the staff speaker), and that the commission could place the matter on an agenda in the next month or two so commissioners and staff could review details.
The town attorney (incoming) and staff noted that statute language and procurement rules will guide the review. Staff also said they have identified potential grant opportunities for related public-safety equipment such as drone surveillance and will return to the commission if grant applications fail and funding is required.
The commission did not take immediate formal action on the camera purchase during the budget hearing; commissioners directed staff to bring the topic back for public discussion and additional legal and procurement review.
