In Stanwood, Washington, a quaint and peaceful town where community values and personal freedom are cherished, the installation of Flock cameras in 2024 has turned our sense of privacy upside down. These surveillance devices were introduced without any public discussion or vote, undermining our right to personal privacy and community autonomy. Not to mention residents of Camano Island, who cannot leave the island without driving through Stanwood and into view of the cameras.

Stanwood is a close-knit community where we know and trust one another—we do not need to be constantly watched by cameras on every street corner. Like many of my neighbors, I was shocked to find out about the installation of these Flock cameras, which track and collect data on our everyday movements. This decision feels like an invasion of our personal lives.

Statistics from various studies underscore the minimal effect such cameras have on decreasing crime rates, casting doubt on their necessity in a town like ours. According to a report by the Urban Institute, the effectiveness of surveillance cameras in reducing crime is mixed at best, with numerous cases showing they do not prevent or reduce crime more effectively than other, less invasive methods of policing.

Moreover, these Flock cameras violate fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, specifically our right to privacy. Across the U.S., communities are beginning to challenge and remove such surveillance tools, recognizing that they do more harm than good, especially when installed without the residents' knowledge or consent.

Not only do these cameras invade our privacy, but they are also costly. In many cases, communities bear the financial burden for installation and maintenance, diverting funds from much-needed public services such as schools, parks, and healthcare, which have a direct and positive impact on residents’ lives.

We urge the local government of Stanwood to reconsider this initiative and remove all Flock cameras from our streets immediately.  Do not renew the contract in November, and do not allow any other ALPR companies set up shop in our small town. Let us focus on alternative crime prevention methods that respect our privacy and work with our community to create safe, welcoming neighborhoods through unity and cooperation—not surveillance.

Sign this petition to eliminate invasive surveillance technology from our streets and protect the rights and privacy of the residents of Stanwood and neighboring areas. Stand with me in asking our leaders to prioritize community voices and consent in all future safety measures.