Cedar City, Utah Development News

City Council Tables Flock Safety Contract Renewal Amidst Public Debate on Privacy and Technology

The City Council considered a contract renewal with Flock Safety for license plate reader technology. Chief Adams presented a case study on how the technology aided in identifying a vehicle involved in reckless driving. He also addressed concerns about data sharing, privacy, and the system's limitations, noting that data is stored for 30 days and strict policies are in place regarding data sharing with federal agencies. Representatives from Flock, Beia Campo and Max, elaborated on the system's technical aspects, security measures, and data ownership, emphasizing that the data is owned by the city. Public comment revealed strong opinions both for and against the technology, citing concerns about privacy, potential for misuse, and the cost versus benefit. Several speakers suggested alternatives like local system development or enhanced enforcement. The council ultimately decided to table the decision for two weeks to allow for further consideration and for Councilman Cox to be present.