The Siloam Springs Board of Directors voted 6-1 to deactivate six automated license plate readers operated by Flock Safety, and city crews have covered the devices while the municipality reviews its contract with the company.
what the board decided and how the city responded
The board’s vote to shut down the automated license plate reader system took effect after the city’s police department worked with Flock Safety to disable the cameras. According to a statement from interim Police Chief Chase Fine, crews then placed black bags over each of the six devices to prevent new photographs from being uploaded into the system. The city’s electric department assisted in covering the remaining cameras.
- Number of cameras: 6 automated license plate readers
- Board vote: 6-1 to deactivate the system
- Action taken: cameras disabled with Flock Safety and physically covered with black bags
police statement on investigations
Fine said the decision will not hinder the department’s ability to continue criminal investigations using existing methods and resources. He listed traditional investigative tools that officers will continue to use, including witness statements, physical evidence, patrol strategies and partnerships with surrounding agencies.
“These proven methods will continue to support our efforts to identify suspects and reduce crime.” — Interim Police Chief Chase Fine
The department said it will provide additional updates once the city reaches a final decision regarding the contract with Flock Safety.
background
Automated license plate readers are camera systems used by some law enforcement agencies to photograph vehicle license plates and compare them against databases for investigative purposes. The Siloam Springs board’s action paused the city’s use of that technology while officials review terms of their contract with the vendor.
City officials did not release a timetable for the contract review or details about the one dissenting vote on the board. The police department described the step of covering the cameras as an added precaution to prevent new images from being uploaded after the system was disabled.
