Final Report: Cumberland Council Votes For Flock Termination, Vows Further Debate
The Cumberland Town Council voting six to one to end the use of Flock systems after the American Civil Liberties Union and numerous residents have articulated support for such a decision. Citing the national, uncontrolled nature of the use of data collected as part of the so-called Artificial Intelligence surveillance and the absence of controls to prevent use of the system beyond that of a license plate reader, privacy concerns and violations of due process led in justifications for the termination. These concerns were one and the same with many of the concerns articulated in this petition, and were also given as outstanding concerns by Councillors Sweet, Bradley, and Shaw. Sweet reviewed the technical material in substantial detail and cited the use of the Artificial Intelligence component as a "trojan horse." These issues were especially relevant in the context of Cumberland due to the initial terms of the agreement stipulating the use of the cameras for license plates readers more or less exclusively. Councillors, including Council President Kinch have pledged an ongoing discussion and sought more and continued discussion with the community. The work of this petition is finished, but the subject and public participation is not, with this ongoing discussion unresolved and still in need of our participation regarding the question of whether Flock cameras will be replaced, and whether any camera system, such as a more traditional closed circuit system, is called for in Cumberland. The future of these questions subsequently demands continued involvement, especially since the decision was not unanimous: Councillor Magill voted to retain the Flock system, citing the benefits of full time monitoring, but without fully rebutting concerns over privacy. Alternatives, such as increasing the number of police officers and the use of community policing also share similar functions and were mentioned as part of this unresolved debate that will be relevant moving forward. This debate also demands attention from elsewhere, such as in Providence, where similar discussions of a cancellation are in an earlier stage. Relevant for the full State of Rhode Island, the state's expansion program for Flock cameras is also under a moratorium that will have to be either extended or expire in the coming months following this November's elections.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ5cV-xHtlg
Providence Council discussion:
https://www.wpri.com/target-12/providence-city-council-to-discuss-ending-flock-camera-contract/
Statewide moratorium: