Flock Cameras Put on Hold in Rochester Following Heated Select Board Meeting
ROCHESTER MASS— Following a lengthy discussion with a group of concerned residents, the Select Board has temporarily halted the use of Flock safety cameras for the next month.
Board member Adam Murphy proposed the suspension after attendees voiced strong opposition to the surveillance equipment during the board’s Monday, Oct. 5 meeting.
While Police Chief Michael Assad defended the department’s use of the six surveillance tools deployed across Rochester, residents pushed back against the technology, which captures license plate numbers and vehicle identifying details.
Citizens opposing the cameras cited significant privacy concerns. Key issues raised included the potential for outside law enforcement agencies to access data gathered in Rochester, the risk of database abuse by officers conducting unsanctioned searches, and the long-term tracking and storage of vehicle movements.
Resident Tiffany Kull spoke out against what she views as an infringement on personal privacy.
“When you build a network of cameras capable of tracking movements over time, the conversation becomes much bigger than catching a stolen car,” she said. “It becomes a conversation about how much information the government should be able to collect about ordinary people who aren’t suspected of doing anything wrong.”
Fellow resident Patty Benner raised concerns regarding how the collected data is stored, utilized, and potentially shared or sold to third parties.
“The bottom line is, a mass surveillance network built without proper oversight is a weapon waiting to take away your privacy, civil liberties, and ultimately your freedom,” she said. “We should be asking ourselves, is this what we really want for our democracy in the town of Rochester?”
Chief Assad defended the deployment of the cameras, highlighting their effectiveness in locating missing persons and aiding drug-related investigations. He also noted that citizens have no legal expectation of privacy while traveling in public spaces.
“Flock is not being used to track normal, regular, everyday citizens who are not breaking the law,” Assad stated. “We have to have a reason to put your plate in the Flock system and run it.”
Select Board members assured the audience that they are taking public concerns seriously and will thoroughly research the cameras and data policies moving forward.
Murphy emphasized that the 30-day halt will remain in effect and will be extended if the board and town counsel require more time to gather substantial information before making a permanent decision.
