Westhampton Residents Raise Privacy Concerns Over ALPR Camera

WESTHAMPTON— Residents raised strong concerns about privacy at the Select Board meeting regarding the Police Department’s plan to install an Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Camera in a Nov. 4 meeting.

Source: PEXELS

Intended to monitor vehicles passing through the town, the ALPR camera for vehicle monitoring sparked debate and concerns about data security and surveillance. 

‘Proactive Policing’ & Force Multiplier

Flock Safety produces the ALPR camera Falcon, which is designed to capture license plates, vehicle models, makes, and accessories. 

According to Sgt. Jeff Fish, the camera would be a 24/7 monitoring tool to assist police investigations into suspicious activities. 

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) will also use it to identify flagged vehicles.

The officer also assured the meeting attendees that it doesn’t collect biometric data or store personal information. 

The data stored will also be automatically wiped after 30 days and will not be shared or given to a third party. Flock Safety will not also have access to it. 

Fish describes the camera as a surveillance tool and says that police officers can’t link it to real-time violations.

Security and Privacy Concerns

One resident, Sue O’Rourke, questioned the potential misuse of local data, which is being shared nationally through Flock’s network. 

Meanwhile, Deborah Estelle feared data being misused or sold, calling it an invasion of privacy.  

ALPR systems, as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) describes them, are tools of mass surveillance. 

In a 2022 report, the ACLU noted that ALPRs and such technology impact marginalized communities and increase the risk of law enforcement misuse.

Postponed Decision for Review 

The Board delayed its decision on the proposed Flock Safety camera, citing further clarity regarding its cost, implications, and security.