On Thursday, the Milford Board of Alders took a decisive step to increase transparency and public control over the city’s surveillance equipment. In a unanimous vote, the board adopted a resolution that requires any future expansion, use, or contract renewal of surveillance technology to receive board approval and include an opportunity for public comment.
Key Requirements of the Resolution
The new measure mandates that the police chief provide a comprehensive list of all surveillance devices currently in operation, their associated costs, and the vendors supplying them within 90 days of the resolution’s passage. This inventory will be made available to residents, giving them a clear view of how the technology is being used and funded.
In addition, any proposed additions—whether new cameras, license‑plate readers, or other monitoring tools—must be presented to the Board of Alders for review. Contract renewals for existing systems will also be subject to the same oversight process.
Community Concerns Prompt Action
The resolution follows months of community opposition that led the city to pause most of its surveillance cameras in August. Residents voiced frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the deployment of Flock license‑plate readers and Condor cameras. “There’s no public place where this information can live and when people can’t get straight answers, they stop trusting the answers they do get,” said Milford resident Tracy Ambrosecchio during the meeting.
Other citizens urged city officials to consider constitutional and parental rights when deciding on surveillance measures. “You’re responsible for protecting our rights and making decisions you can defend to the people who elected you,” said resident Sarah Wood.
Bipartisan Support for Oversight
Both Democratic and Republican aldermen expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing that it balances public safety needs with the community’s right to know how surveillance tools are employed. While some board members continue to debate whether the Flock cameras should be removed entirely, the unanimous vote signals a shared commitment to greater accountability.
“This resolution gives us a way to review technology used by police while giving residents a voice in the process,” said Alderman John Martinez, a Republican member of the board.
Next Steps
The police chief is now tasked with compiling the required inventory and presenting it to the board within the stipulated 90‑day window. Once the list is public, residents will have the opportunity to submit comments on any proposed changes or renewals.
Milford’s approach may serve as a model for other Connecticut municipalities grappling with the balance between public safety technology and civil liberties. By placing oversight in the hands of elected officials and the public, the city aims to restore trust and ensure that surveillance tools are used responsibly and transparently.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
