Flock camera surveillance faces scrutiny in Columbia and Frankfort

Residents and activists in Columbia and Frankfort are raising concerns regarding the use of Flock cameras, which are automated license plate readers (ALPRs) used by law enforcement.

In Columbia, the group Get the Flock Out COMO held a voter education session to discuss the impact of surveillance and plans for a new 570-bed county jail. Critics, including attorney Dan Viets of the Mid-Missouri Civil Liberties Association, argue that expanding jail capacity may not address overcrowding caused by judges denying bond for minor crimes. Activists also suggest that increased surveillance through Flock cameras may lead to more arrests for minor infractions, disproportionately affecting low-income and unsheltered populations.

In Frankfort, a motion by City Commissioner Leesa Unger to terminate the city's contract with Flock Safety failed in a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Layne Wilkerson casting the deciding vote. The city currently operates 19 cameras under a two-year, $125,450 contract. While the cameras are intended to flag vehicles on “hot lists” for purposes such as Amber Alerts or stolen vehicles, local residents and officials have called for further due diligence regarding privacy and data usage.