Residents urge permanent limits on ALPR vendor and warn of surveillance risks

Multiple public commenters asked the board to clarify whether the $250,000 reduction for "suspension of the Flock camera network" means a permanent termination or merely a temporary pause. Gabriela Mangle told the board the devices "photograph vehicles" and store searchable data including time and location; she noted public-records searches tied to a May Day protest and asked the board to adopt a firm policy to prevent future surveillance use affecting lawful political activity.

Gwen Guthrie said the technology's capabilities mean that even if it helps find stolen cars, the same searchable data could be used to track ordinary residents, activists or elected officials. "So don't ask whether you're comfortable with flock track tracking criminals. Ask whether you're comfortable with flock tracking you," she said, urging the board both to revoke right-of-way authorization and to prohibit future ALPR installations in the county. Commissioners did not immediately adopt a standalone policy change during this meeting; the boardally reduced the sheriff's budget transfer related to the Flock contract for the coming fiscal year.