Flock cameras are something that everyone in Ruston should be concerned about. Everyday there are students, children, workers, and truckers driving in an around Ruston. These cameras are not just being used as simple license plate readers and everyone knows it. These cameras are pointed at Lambright, Hideaway park, and major area/roads in Ruston people pass by on the daily. 

The People of Ruston deserve to know exactly what these cameras capture, what information is stored, who has access to it, how long it is retained, and whether officers can use the system to search for or monitor people without a legitimate criminal investigation. This is a fourth amendment right that is being violated by not disclosing.

The people have a right “to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.”

We do not trust that surveillance technology will always be used appropriately and constantly recording and storing information about where people travel can create a chilling effect on ordinary activities. Things like political expression, religious gatherings, protests, and other lawful behavior can be threatened by these  surveillance programs. 

Privacy should not be something we surrender just by going outside. Either take them down or strictly control how these cameras operate in Ruston.