From Futurism · Joe Wilkins · · 1m 10s
Springfield votes on Flock cameras despite public outcry
City council fast-tracks surveillance resolution, angering residents who wanted their voices heard.
In brief
City council fast-tracks surveillance resolution, angering residents who wanted their voices heard. When governments bypass public input on surveillance technology, communities lose trust and young people question their future in the city. Originally reported by Futurism.
Council votes to skip public hearing
Springfield city council voted 5-3 to send a Flock camera resolution to a planning committee, effectively bypassing any public hearing on the surveillance technology.
Crowd erupts in anger
Attendees immediately turned hostile after the vote, screaming and filing out of the meeting in protest. One person shouted 'Worthless!' as they stormed off.
“Worthless!”
Councilman defends the process
Councilman Brandon Jenson, who tried to open the floor for public comment, said the vote was disappointing and that government shouldn't run like 'theater' to get answers.
“It's a shame that it comes down to this sort of, I guess, theater… to try and help get those answers, this isn't how government is supposed to run.”
What ALPRs actually do
Automatic License Plate Readers scan and record vehicle information. The resolution would mandate a review of how Springfield police use them, as these cameras have been widely abused by law enforcement across the U.S.
Young residents question their future
Isaac Protiva, an organizer with anti-ALPR group Flock Out SGF, said the rushed process makes him question whether he wants to invest in Springfield as a young person.
“It just makes me question where this city goes and honestly makes me question how much I want to invest in this city as a young person.”
The short version
When governments bypass public input on surveillance technology, communities lose trust and young people question their future in the city.
