From ABC7 New York · · 1m 30s
Edison approves 90 AI license plate readers
Edison township votes to install 90 AI license plate readers despite privacy concerns.
In brief
Edison township votes to install 90 AI license plate readers despite privacy concerns. Edison, New Jersey approved 90 Flock AI license plate readers to reduce crime, with one council member voting against due to privacy concerns. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Edison township council approves license plate readers
Edison officials approved purchasing 90 license plate readers from Flock Safety to reduce crime across the township using asset forfeiture funds.
Flock cameras to be installed in 30-square-mile area
The devices will be installed throughout Edison Township's 30-square-mile Middlesex County area to monitor crime activity.
Mayor Sam Joshi supports license plate readers
Mayor Sam Joshi stated the township aims to close in on zero home invasions, burglaries, and auto thefts using license plate readers.
Police chief endorses Flock technology
Police Chief Thomas Bryan said Flock has worked tremendously for crime fighting and has a relationship with the township.
One council member opposes privacy concerns
Councilperson Richard Bresher voted against the measure due to privacy concerns, stating the cameras are invasive and a personal moral issue.
State privacy regulations differ from other states
New Jersey has state laws that limit license plate reader use to vehicles exposed to public view and require data oversight unlike 49 other states.
Data ownership and privacy concerns
Edison Township will own the data collected by the system, with Flock denying claims that their cameras collect names and addresses.
The takeaway
Edison, New Jersey approved 90 Flock AI license plate readers to reduce crime, with one council member voting against due to privacy concerns.
