The Pea Ridge Police Department will discontinue the use of Flock Safety cameras, which automatically read license plates and match them to a database, due to community concerns and the time spent on the issue.
Community Concerns and Police Response
The cameras had helped police find missing people, recover stolen vehicles, and identify suspects. However, the police chief found that the cameras jeopardized public trust and confidence in the department.
Other police departments in Northwest Arkansas, such as Fort Smith, Rogers, Siloam Springs, and Van Buren, continue to use Flock cameras. Fayetteville does not use them.
Groups like the ACLU have criticized the use of Flock cameras as part of a warrantless mass surveillance system, citing instances of abuse by law enforcement.
Pea Ridge’s decision to discontinue the use of the cameras should not be interpreted as a sign of misuse by the department, according to the news release. Flock Safety agreed to release Pea Ridge from the remainder of its contract without penalty.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
