The next meeting of the Culver City Council on Nov. 16 will address privacy and surveillance, with the first action item on the agenda calling for the “authorization to develop citywide data privacy and responsible technology principles…”
Focusing in on the discussion of “Flock Safety with a presentation by the Culver City Police Department,” the second action item on the agenda is specific to considering the ‘Flock cameras,’ those automated license plate readers that are posted at dozens of intersections throughout the city
There is more on the agenda than surveillance technology, but it is a major issue that is being focused on both by local groups concerned about excessive surveillance and police concerned about access to technology. A press release from the Culver City Democratic Club offered a resolution opposing mass surveillance, and Our Culver held a town hall to discuss the police use of cameras with a panel speaking on current data.
Community concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE) have also brought these issues back to the council.
While the original agreement with the city for the use of the cameras included stipulations on how the data was to be managed, and who could have access, there have been issues with the protocol being violated.
While the Culver City Police Department often notes in their press releases that using ALPR technology is a tool that assists them with vehicular pursuits, current data is showing it to be a tool falling out of favor with other municipalities.
The council will meet on Nov. 16 at 6 pm in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting can also be accessed on the city web site, or through YouTube.
Judith Martin-Straw
