Residents tell Ledyard council Flock cameras threaten privacy; urge removal

Residents used the public comment period to press the council for immediate action on the town's automated license-plate reader (ALPR) system operated by Flock.

Joanne Kelly (speaker 10) and other speakers said the system produced alerts but not necessarily arrests or convictions, and warned that data collected on everyday drivers could be retained and shared. "We should strive to protect both" liberty and security, one resident told the council, arguing the town should "remove the cameras and end the program." Jean Perkins (speaker 16) framed the issue sharply: "All of you were lied to by these companies. You were openly deceived," and urged the council to ban ALPRs or decline to renew contracts.

Other commenters described national incidents of misuse and potential data access by outside entities; one resident cited reports that Flock data had been used without permission in another Connecticut town. Speakers asked councilors to demand proof that the system produces net public-safety benefits — for example, arrests or prosecutions tied to ALPR alerts — before permitting continued operation.