Residents urge end to Flock cameras and demand community oversight during packed public comment period

A diverse slate of residents, faith leaders, university groups and advocacy organizations filled the microphones to urge the Tompkins County Legislature to end its relationship with Flock-style license-plate readers and to adopt community oversight measures.

Speakers included clergy from local Presbyterian congregations, leaders from Tompkins Food Future and the Cornell ACLU chapter, and multiple residents who cited privacy, data-sharing with federal agencies and the risk of mass surveillance. Ian Polanski, speaking for the Cornell ACLU chapter, told the legislature that regional data-sharing agreements could allow access by other police departments and federal agents: "Through our data sharing agreement with this regional center, any of the police departments within our region... can access Tompkins County's flock data," and he cited national examples of alleged misuse. Other commenters, including residents from the city's West Village, said they feared losing tools that helped them feel safe.

Several speakers recommended the ACLU model CCOPS ordinance (community control over police surveillance) as a framework for future policy. Organizers and faith leaders also asked the county to avoid replacing Flock with a comparable vendor and to invest instead in community-based safety programs. Chair Black and several legislators thanked the public for civil remarks and said they would incorporate the input as staff draft the resolution.