Edgewood will immediately pause its Flock camera program and seek public input about the technology, according to an announcement from Mayor John Link this week.
“This is not a decision to abandon the technology or diminish our support for the Edgewood Police Department,” wrote Link. “Rather, it is an opportunity for the city council, department heads and city staff to carefully review how the cameras are being used, understand the benefits and concerns associated with the technology, and consider whether any changes to policies, procedures or safeguards are appropriate.”
As a result, the issue of Flock cameras will not appear on the Edgewood City Council’s agenda until Oct. 5, according to the announcement.
The company Flock Safety produces automatic license plate readers, or ALPRs, and other surveillance technology. Flock and its products have faced criticism, both nationally and locally. Edgewood has a contract for four dual-use ALPR and video cameras from Flock Safety, according to public records obtained by LINK nky.
The mayor has invited the public to leave feedback and ask questions by sending emails to info@edgewoodky.gov.
“Public safety and individual rights aren’t competing values,” Link wrote. “The city has a responsibility to protect both.”
