UPDATE: Flock Safety is urgently seeking to reverse the Town of Hillsborough’s recent cancellation of a contract for ten license plate readers. Earlier this week, Mayor Mark Bell announced the termination, citing serious data privacy concerns regarding the contract terms.
The Town of Hillsborough had initially agreed to install the cameras to enhance public safety, but the decision to cancel came after the town discovered that Flock retains rights to the data collected, potentially sharing it with third parties and government agencies. Mayor Bell expressed alarm, stating, “That made us realize the system was going to be used by other entities other than the Town of Hillsborough. That is absolutely not what we had signed up for.”
In a response issued on Friday, Flock Safety indicated its intent to address these concerns directly. A representative from the company confirmed that they requested a meeting with Hillsborough leaders to clarify the situation. Chief Legal Officer Dan Haley asserted that the town’s apprehensions stem from misunderstandings about their technology and data management policies.
“The publicly stated reasons for Hillsborough’s action are entirely based in misconceptions about our technology,” Haley said. He emphasized that Flock’s policy requires consultation with clients before disclosing any information, even in response to court orders or subpoenas, unless otherwise mandated.
Haley reassured residents that the agencies using Flock’s services maintain strict control over who can access their data. “They are able to see and control who outside of their communities request access to their data and they’re able to either approve that access or decline to approve that access,” he stated.
Despite the pushback, Mayor Bell reiterated the town’s original intent, clarifying that the cameras were intended solely for the Hillsborough police to track vehicles involved in serious crimes. The financial implications of the cancellation could be significant, with the installation and two years of operation costing the town over $81,000. Bell indicated that they may not recover those funds.
As the situation develops, a spokesperson for the Town of Hillsborough confirmed that the town attorney is working on the matter, but no further details have been released about the next steps. “We have a high degree of confidence that when given the opportunity to speak with our partners in Hillsborough, we will resolve their concerns and be able to move forward productively to make the residents of Hillsborough safer,” Haley concluded.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions between public safety initiatives and privacy concerns, as communities navigate the implementation of surveillance technologies. Residents of Hillsborough and surrounding areas are urged to stay tuned for updates as discussions between Flock and town officials continue.
