Tell Cedar Park to cancel the Flock contract

394

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The Issue

Mass surveillance devices, such as Flock cameras, infringe upon our privacy and civil liberties. The presence of these cameras in our neighborhoods creates an environment of constant surveillance, which undermines our fundamental rights to privacy and freedom. We, the residents of Cedar Park, are deeply concerned about the implications of such intrusive technology in our city.

Flock cameras, touted to enhance security, instead foster an atmosphere of distrust and fear. With the ability to track individuals' movements and store vast amounts of data, these devices pose a risk of misuse and abuse, potentially leading to wrongful accusations or profiling based on biased surveillance methods. Around the nation, there have been reports of these technologies being exploited beyond their intended purposes, targeting minority groups and disproportionately affecting those who are already vulnerable.

It is crucial for the Cedar Park City Council to acknowledge these legitimate concerns. The contract with Flock should be terminated to protect the privacy of all residents. Furthermore, the pursuit of alternative surveillance solutions, such as those offered by Axon or similar companies, would only perpetuate the cycle of privacy violations. These alternatives provide no real solution other than continuing the pattern of invasive monitoring.

As members of this community, we deserve to feel safe without sacrificing our privacy. The implementation of community-based safety measures, increased public engagement, and transparent discussions about residents' concerns are far more effective and ethical approaches to public safety. By investing in these initiatives, Cedar Park can set an example of how to maintain security while respecting individual rights.

Join us in urging the Cedar Park City Council to prioritize the privacy and dignity of its citizens by canceling the Flock contract immediately and refraining from any further surveillance agreements. By signing this petition, you're standing up for civil liberties and advocating for a safer, more respectful community. Please sign and share with your networks to support this critical cause.

The Decision Makers

James Penniman-Morin
Cedar Park City Mayor
Responded
Thank you to everyone who has signed this petition. I want you to know I've seen it and read it closely and am doing everything I can to fully understand this complex and unprecedented issue. The Texas Open Meetings Act limits what I can say publicly about this outside of a posted meeting, so my response here is intentionally brief. Within those limits, I'm doing my best to take in what this community is sharing, and I genuinely appreciate the perspectives and opinions you've put forward. I want people to feel heard on this, and I'm looking for more opportunities to hear these thoughts directly from the community going forward. [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]
Cedar Park City Council
6 Members
Anne Duffy
Cedar Park City Council - Place 3
Michael Endres
Cedar Park City Council - Place 4
Alexis Frezza
Cedar Park City Council - Place 1

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates