A packed room of residents attended last night’s Auburn City Council town hall on the Auburn Police Department's use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. Public comment weighed heavily in favor of stronger oversight and limits on the technology.
The meeting opened with a presentation by Auburn Police Chief Bryan Morrison, joined by Lieutenant Huey, Lieutenant Neri, and other APD staff. The presentation covered camera locations and cases in which Flock data had assisted investigations, though most of the cases cited occurred outside Auburn, and one highlighted outcome was the recovery of a stolen tractor. The presentation did not address how Flock Safety, as a private company, stores, manages, or shares the data it collects. When asked whether Flock Safety contributed to the presentation or its talking points, the department did not provide an answer. DeFlock Auburn plans to follow up with Chief Morrison in writing for clarification.
Chief Morrison did confirm that APD had previously shared Flock data with out-of-state agencies and said the error has since been corrected. DeFlock Auburn acknowledges the correction but maintains that the lapse shows why stronger safeguards on new police technology are needed before such errors ever occur.
During nearly two hours of public comment, an estimated 20 or more residents spoke in support of DeFlock's position, compared with roughly five in favor of the cameras. Opponents came from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and political perspectives. They raised concerns about potential abuse and misuse of the system, data sharing practices, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, constitutional and privacy rights, and the need for durable local policy, including Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS) legislation.
One notable exchange came near the end of the comment period. A former officer described using Flock to identify the person who had shot them in the line of duty. A military veteran then spoke about their experience with surveillance in combat settings and their conviction that mass surveillance tools should not be turned on a country's own citizens.
APD recorded selected audience questions on a flip chart for Chief Morrison to answer. However, residents expressed concern that the department's responses did not engage with the substance of the prepared, research-based comments delivered during the session.
Next Steps
City Council members will meet with APD and the City Manager to review what they heard at the town hall. If two council members request it, the issue will be placed on a future council agenda. DeFlock Auburn encourages residents to stay engaged and continue attending City Council meetings.