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Resident urges Galesburg to reconsider contract with Flock license-plate-reader vendor
Summary
Marion Spurgeon told the council that Flock (ALPR) operates like a data broker, shares vehicle-location data widely, and has insecure systems; she urged the city to consider ending the contract and to adopt local rules limiting data use and sharing.
During public comment March 16, Marion Spurgeon urged the council to review and consider ending Galesburg's contract with the maker of license-plate readers commonly called Flock. Spurgeon said the company operates ‘‘more like a data brokerage company than a simple ALPR,’’ shares records broadly with thousands of agencies, and is searchable with AI. She referenced a state audit and said Evanston's attempt to remove cameras resulted in the vendor reactivating them.
Spurgeon raised security concerns, saying a recent independent audit found vulnerabilities that could allow global access to images and data. "I do not think most people know this," Spurgeon said, arguing the city should consider whether continuing a contract with a company that has issued false statements and that may be insecure is a legal liability. She urged council to have a broader community conversation and consider local rules around surveillance video use and sharing. Council did not engage in a substantive staff response on record during public comment.
