It comes as the cities of Santa Cruz, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View in Northern California have been the first in the state to terminate their contracts with automated license plate readers (ALPR) companies like Flock Safety, which contracts out flock camera technology to police departments across the country. The concerns raised by the three cities stemmed from audits that showed federal agencies have, or could be able to have access to the databases tied to the cameras.
The item on the agenda was to approve a two-year contract extension with Flock Safety at a price tag of $300,000, a partnership that has been ongoing between Flock and Woodland police for about six years.
Council members brought up some privacy concerns raised by community members, especially the local immigrant population.
The council engaged in discussion, asking Woodland's Chief of Police first-hand who is allowed to access the data collected by the city's 26 cameras.
Kinnan says the license plate reading technology is a necessary and proven-successful tool in solving crime. He pointed out that there is no facial recognition technology involved. The cameras only collect license plate information.
In public comment, several people asked the council not to grant the contract extension.
After more than an hour of discussion and public comment, the Woodland City Council unanimously approved the two-year contract extension. In response to ICE concerns, Flock Safety has publicly denied that federal agencies have any access to its databases. "There's a risk with taking their word for it. There is evidence, ongoing litigation that they are not good stewards of our data. That they provide information against the city and county's prerogative. I don't think we should take that chance," Jessica Martinez, a concerned Yolo County resident, told CBS Sacramento before Tuesday night's meeting. Part of Tuesday's consideration for approval was tied to a contractual obligation the city has with Woodland's four cannabis dispensaries. The agreements state that in lieu of on-site security, the dispensary owners can rely on the flock cameras and Woodland Police for added security. In turn, each dispensary will pay the city $20,000 per year. A two year-total from the four businesses will profit the city $160,000. Tuesday's vote to approve the Flock contract also allocated that money paid by the dispensaries to the city's general fund, then appropriated the money to the Woodland Police Department budget. "We wanted to find a better way to keep our businesses safe," Laura Mendez, owner and CEO of Woodland Cannabis Dispensary, told CBS Sacramento. The cost for the proposed new cannabis dispensary cameras was not included in the city's current budget. Mendez says she understands the privacy concerns, but argues the flock cameras are needed. "Now that this has passed, it's a relief. Let's give this a chance, give this an opportunity and see what this can do for other businesses, not just ours," said Mendez. Woodland's mayor and other council members pointed out in their comments that the Woodland Police Department does not have enough officers, and the flock cameras are a way to support them. More information about the contract can be found in the city council's agenda packet from Tuesday night.
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