In Bay City, MI, our privacy and civil liberties are at risk. We have a Public Safety Director, Caleb Rowell, who is pushing relentlessly for the implementation of Flock license plate tracking systems, despite overwhelming public opposition. These Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) pose serious threats to our community's privacy and civil rights.

ALPR systems monitor and record the movements of Bay City residents without a warrant, probable cause, or even reasonable suspicion. Your driving history, captured by these cameras, doesn't stay within the confines of our town. Instead, this information is often shared with thousands of agencies nationwide, in secret, leaving us without control over how our data is used or the rules that apply to it.

The citizens of Bay City have spoken nearly unanimously against these invasive surveillance systems. Mr. Rowell, however, chooses to disregard the democratic voice of our community, continuing to advocate for systems the majority do not want. This disregard goes beyond mere disagreement—it's a rally against our collective will and must be stopped.

The introduction of ALPRs in our community highlights the larger ethical and legal issues surrounding privacy and surveillance. The power to track our movements should not be granted lightly or thrust upon us without consent. The potential for misuse of this data, once shared beyond our community, is vast and concerning. Even more disturbing is the secrecy with which this information is distributed and utilized, raising questions about transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.

It is crucial that our city officials represent the will of the people they serve. Sadly, Mr. Rowell’s actions indicate a detrimental disconnect between public safety leadership and the community. To protect our rights and uphold the democratic processes of Bay City, we call for the immediate removal of Caleb Rowell from his position as Public Safety Director.

We urge the city council and relevant authorities to listen to the concerns of Bay City residents, halt any further action towards implementing these license plate tracking systems, and prioritize the privacy rights of the community. Sign this petition to add your voice to the call for change and to ensure that your rights are respected and protected.