Across the country, opposition to license plate cameras created by Flock Safety is mounting. Major cities and small communities alike are deciding to end their contracts with the company – Illinois being no exception.
Cities in Illinois, such as Oak Park and Evanston, have chosen to end contracts with the company, even as police departments have said they’re a useful tool in law enforcement.
In Springfield, aldermen were at odds in recent weeks over an ordinance to renew their contract with Flock for two years, costing taxpayers half a million dollars.
On Tuesday, the body found common ground to pass the measure while allowing for more transparency and regular public reports on the cameras’ effectiveness.
Gregory was opposed to renewing the contract, but he said he was able to draft a plan for transparency based on guidance from organizations like the ACLU.
The council negotiated changes with the police department during the meeting, and passed it with two members opposed to any stipulations.
In contrast, the Madison, Wisconsin, area recently ended their partnership with Flock over data privacy risks and outside access.
Springfield’s council voted unanimously to renew the contract for two years, despite continued calls from residents to remove the cameras.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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