US News
St. Paul to remove license plate cameras following resident privacy concerns
City officials decided to take down two Flock Safety cameras after community members raised data privacy and constitutional objections at a city council meeting.
The short version
- St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and the city police chief announced the removal of the city's two Flock Safety license plate readers.
- The decision followed a special City Council meeting where residents voiced concerns about surveillance, private data handling, and constitutional rights.
- City leaders urged state lawmakers to create legislative standards that balance public safety with personal privacy.
- No policy changes were announced regarding the police department's separate use of drones.
Key facts
- St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and the city's police chief announced they will remove the two Flock Safety license plate reader cameras operating within city limits.[CBS News]
- The removal announcement came after a special St. Paul City Council meeting focused on police drones and automated license plate cameras.[CBS News]
- Residents at the meeting raised objections regarding data privacy and alleged that the surveillance technology violates constitutional protections.[CBS News]
- City officials called upon Minnesota state legislators to establish standards that weigh public safety interests against privacy rights.[CBS News]
- No alterations were made to the St. Paul Police Department's drone policy during the announcements.[CBS News]
What remains uncertain
- It is unknown whether state lawmakers will introduce legislation addressing municipal surveillance technology as requested by city officials.[CBS News]
Sources
- St. Paul to remove Flock cameras after residents raise privacy concernsCBS News - Top Stories