Flock Safety Fights to Reinstate License Plate Readers in Hillsborough

UPDATE: Flock Safety is making an urgent push to reinstate its contract for license plate readers in Hillsborough, North Carolina, after the town abruptly terminated the agreement earlier this week over data privacy concerns. The company had planned to install ten cameras as part of a public safety initiative.

On August 29, 2023, Hillsborough officials announced the cancellation of the contract, with Mayor Mark Bell expressing that the terms allowed Flock to share data with third parties, raising fears about privacy. “That made us realize the system was going to be used by other entities other than the Town of Hillsborough,” Bell stated. “That is absolutely not what we had signed up for.”

In response, Flock Safety stated on September 1, 2023, that they are determined to address these concerns directly with town leaders. A representative from Flock revealed they have requested a meeting to clarify misunderstandings surrounding their data-sharing policies.

Dan Haley, Flock’s Chief Legal Officer, emphasized that the town’s fears stem from misconceptions about their technology. “The publicly stated reasons for Hillsborough’s action are entirely based on misconceptions about our technology,” he argued. Haley noted that Flock prioritizes client privacy, asserting that they consult with clients before sharing any data, unless a court order explicitly prohibits such communication.

“The agencies who use Flock control access to their data, period, full stop,” Haley added. “They are able to see and control who outside of their communities request access to their data and they’re able to either approve or decline that access.”

The total cost for installing the license plate readers and maintaining them for two years was over $81,000. Mayor Bell indicated that the town may not recover this investment, intensifying the urgency for a resolution.

The Town of Hillsborough is currently working with their attorney on this matter, but no further updates have been released. “We have a high degree of confidence that when given the opportunity to speak with our partners in Hillsborough, we will resolve their concerns and be able to move forward productively to make the residents of Hillsborough safer,” Haley stated, hinting at a potential path forward.

As this situation develops, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates on the future of public safety initiatives in their community. The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact how law enforcement utilizes technology in Hillsborough, affecting not just local safety but also broader discussions on privacy and data control.