Whitewater, Wisconsin Development News

Flock Safety Camera Contract Discussion: Concerns Raised Over Privacy and Misuse, Contract Remains Under Review

The city council discussed the use of Flock Safety cameras by the police department. Chief Meyer presented information on the system's benefits, including examples of its use in solving cases like a potential kidnapping and a welfare check involving suicidal ideation. Trevor Chandler from Flock Safety addressed technical questions and discussed the company's audit assistance features and data policies. Council members and the public raised concerns about potential misuse, data privacy, First Amendment implications, and the trustworthiness of Flock Safety due to past miscommunications and relationships with federal agencies. Various options for restricting the use of the system, such as limiting reciprocity, data retention, user access, and case types, were discussed. Ultimately, a motion to suspend the contract failed. The council agreed to direct staff to explore additional guardrails and present options for a future meeting, with a specific focus on data retention, sharing options, user restrictions, and audit frequency. The topic is scheduled for further discussion in September 2026.