The Fort Wayne City Council has delayed a vote on renewing its contract with Flock Safety, a company that provides automated license plate reader technology to aid in crime investigations.
Background
The council was set to vote on the contract renewal on Tuesday but instead introduced a new proposal aimed at creating clearer guidelines for how information collected by the system can be accessed, used, and stored. The Fort Wayne Police Department has used the Flock Safety system since summer 2024 to help solve crimes more efficiently.
Supporters of the technology argue that it provides investigators with additional information when tracking vehicles connected to criminal activity. However, critics have raised concerns about privacy, data retention, and how surveillance information could be used beyond the original purpose of investigating crimes.
The new proposal before the council is intended to address questions surrounding the handling of Flock data, including rules governing access and storage. The council did not take a final vote on the contract renewal, leaving the future of the city’s agreement with Flock Safety unresolved.
The Fort Wayne Police Department’s use of the system will continue while the council considers the proposed changes and determines whether to approve a contract extension.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
