The Milford Police Department Employees Union filed a formal grievance on August 20 with the Connecticut State Labor Department, challenging the city’s plan to deactivate and remove several surveillance devices that the union says are vital for officer safety.
Union claims violation of bargaining agreement
In the complaint, the union asserts that the removal of both license‑plate‑reader (LPR) systems and Flock cameras violates the existing union‑city bargaining agreement, which specifically mandates that safety‑related equipment remain in place unless both parties agree to changes. The filing states, “The LPRS and Flock Camera Systems provide essential officer safety enhancements and features, including real‑time identification of known and dangerous felons, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, and weapon/firearm information.”
City’s timeline for equipment removal
Milford police officials confirmed that nine LPR units have already been deactivated and that a vendor is scheduled to physically remove them around September 21. Some Flock cameras have been turned off, while the remaining units continue to operate at key entry points throughout the town.
Community concerns and legal backdrop
The equipment debate has unfolded amid growing resident concerns about privacy, surveillance overreach, and how data collected by the technology might be used. The union’s grievance argues that removing the devices before completing the required bargaining process also breaches state labor law.
On August 6, the union submitted a demand to negotiate the impact of the removals and requested a cease‑and‑desist order to halt any further deactivation or removal until the bargaining process is complete. The union maintains that safety is a mandatory bargaining subject under the Connecticut Collective Bargaining Act.
Upcoming hearing
A State Board of Labor Relations hearing on the complaint is set for September 8. Both the union and city officials are expected to present arguments regarding the necessity of the technology, the legal obligations of the bargaining agreement, and the balance between public‑safety needs and community privacy concerns.
What this means for Milford residents
If the board rules in favor of the union, the city may be required to keep the LPR and Flock systems operational while negotiations continue, preserving a tool that officers say helps them identify threats quickly. Conversely, a decision allowing the removals could set a precedent for other municipalities grappling with similar technology‑privacy debates.
Local leaders and residents will be watching the outcome closely, as it could influence how towns across Connecticut manage the tension between law‑enforcement effectiveness and citizens’ privacy rights.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
