Resident urges Erie City Council to consider ordinance to block networked "Flock" cameras

A resident raised privacy and security concerns about the growing use of networked surveillance cameras and urged City Council to consider a proactive ordinance.

Aquil Rashid, who introduced himself as a City of Erie resident and software engineer, described cameras marketed under the name Flock Safety as networked, internet-accessible devices that use AI and present both cybersecurity and civil-liberties risks. "These cameras are incredibly insecure and very dangerous," he said, arguing that their networked architecture and capacity for advanced identification make them vulnerable to hacking and misuse.

Rashid asked the council to consider drafting an ordinance to prevent installation of that technology in the city. Council members who later spoke in committee and liaison reports said they had heard the concern and described plans to investigate; one councilor said the issue "is something that we need to invest in understanding" and flagged the potential for residents to be surveilled without recourse.

No ordinance vote occurred at the meeting. Council scheduled additional study and staff follow-up for items raised during public comment periods; surveillance policy was listed among topics for further review and public engagement.

Next steps: Council and staff indicated they will research the technical and legal aspects of networked cameras and consider options for regulation or procurement policy changes before bringing a formal proposal to a future meeting.