Parkside opens review after residents raise privacy concerns about Flock ALPR camera

Residents pressed Parkside Borough Council on Aug. 19 about a Flock automatic license-plate reader (ALPR) camera installed at a borough intersection and sought details on ownership, cost and data access. Matt Whitney, a resident, asked whether the borough owns the camera, whether taxpayers bear ongoing costs, and whether there will be a vote before any contract extension.

President B responded that “the burrow does own it. was a one-year contract for it,” acknowledged personal “apprehensions” about the system’s rapid AI developments, and said the chief had already shared an internal policy. The president said council would solicit public comment and compile feedback over approximately 30–45 days and would make relevant policies public, including retention and access rules.

Other residents raised accuracy and misuse concerns: Kristen Kendall described cases in other jurisdictions where ALPR/AI matches led to incorrect enforcement actions. Council clarified Parkside currently owns a single Flock camera, that other ALPR systems (Viper/ALPR devices) exist regionally but are not Parkside-owned, and that staff will publish applicable policies and consider whether a broader vote is appropriate before contract renewal.

The exchange prompted council to open a public-comment and review period so staff can collect input, publish retention/access policies, and return with recommendations.