Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are dragnet A.I. surveillance tools that fuel abusive policing practices, giving local police and federal authorities the ability to track people and repress dissent. This technology, while marketed as a tool for safety, has the potential to infringe upon our civil liberties, compromise individuals' right to privacy, and target vulnerable communities unjustly.

Flock Safety cameras, in particular, have raised serious concerns. These invasive devices capture and store large volumes of data, tracking the movement of vehicles within our neighborhoods. The accumulation of this data can be used for indefinite tracking, creating a climate of fear and oppression instead of one of safety and protection. Mass surveillance relies heavily on A.I. data centers and imposes enormous environmental and financial costs on communities. 

The City of Lafayette has committed $250,000 to Flock mass surveillance. West Lafayette and Purdue are also using Flock surveillance cameras. Rather than sending all that money to Big-Tech billionaires, we should keep that money in our community and fund local initiatives to reduce crime. 

Evidence suggests that ALPRs do not significantly deter crime. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has highlighted numerous instances where the use of these cameras has not only invaded privacy but also failed to produce the intended results. According to studies, reallocating funds to community-focused initiatives benefits the public and reduces crime rates more effectively than surveillance tools.

We call upon community leaders and policymakers to end the use of A.I.-powered mass surveillance tools in our community. Sign this petition to demand the halt of this dystopian surveillance technology and advocate for investments in resources that genuinely serve our community's needs.