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Police update: drones and ALPRs (Flock) to have transparency pages; public warns surveillance chills trust
Summary
Police Chief Martin and staff previewed transparency pages for the Flock ALPR system and the new drone-as-first-responder program; chief said the drone program will be live on 9‑1‑1 calls next Wednesday and the public will see case numbers and flight paths within 24 hours. Public commenters expressed concerns that expanded camera systems create a chilling effect and warned transparency alone may not build trust.
Police Chief Martin told the council the department has installed equipment and completed training for the drone first‑responder program; pilots finished training and the department will begin using drones on 9‑1‑1 calls next Wednesday, the chief said. Staff also said they will publish transparency pages for the ALPR (Flock) cameras and for the drone program that list the call/case number and flight path within 24 hours of deployment.
"We will be live next Wednesday on all 9 1 1 calls for drone as 1st responder," Chief Martin said, adding that drones will only be flown for 9‑1‑1 calls or with police/fire management approval for specialized operations. Staff emphasized the drone camera is oriented to the horizon and not used for general surveillance of private property; transparency pages will show flights and case associations but will not publish raw video.
During public comment, remote and in‑person speakers expressed concern that automated license‑plate readers and widespread camera programs erode community trust. One speaker said, "Flock cameras do not build more trust in your community. They cause a chilling sensation." The speaker urged the council to weigh trust and community‑building alongside crime‑reduction benefits.
Why it matters: The city is rolling out new technology that affects privacy perceptions and police transparency; council and staff emphasized disclosure measures but public concern remains about community trust and surveillance creep.
