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Moline

Moline Police Department ending Flock Safety contract

By Sharon Wren,

11 hours ago

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3TMYpM_1FB34Sar00

Another Quad Cities police department is ending its fixed Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) contract with Flock Safety.

A news release from the Moline Police Department said the department has decided to pause its fixed Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program currently under contract with Flock Safety. The program consists of nine cameras within the city. ALPR technology has been a valuable law enforcement tool for the Moline Police Department, helping officers and investigators solve serious crimes, locate stolen vehicles and move investigations forward.

The technology and issues surrounding ALPRs is evolving rapidly. The capabilities of fixed, networked ALPR systems, the legal and legislative discussions about their use and mixed public opinions on how these systems should be used are not currently aligned, the release said.

Moline Chief of Police Darren Gault considered several factors and determined that continuing the current Flock Safety fixed ALPR program does not currently provide the balance the department seeks between the public safety value of networked ALPR and maintaining public confidence in its use.

“This is not a rejection of ALPR technology or its value to law enforcement,” said Chief Gault. “Our community expects us to use effective tools to prevent and solve crime and bring justice to victims. The public also expects thoughtful and responsible decision-making when law enforcement uses technology capable of collecting and sharing information. I believe those interests can coexist, but our responsibility is to continually evaluate where that balance should be.”

The department has reached an agreement with Flock Safety and expects the fixed ALPR system to be fully deactivated within about 14 days. Physical removal of the cameras by the vendor may take an additional 30 to 60 days. The cameras will no longer be operational once the system is deactivated, regardless of when the physical equipment is removed.

The Moline Police Department will continue to evaluate available options and monitor developments in fixed ALPR technology, legislation, privacy protections and law enforcement best practices.

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