Huntington officials debate $2.1 million Flock surveillance contract

The Huntington City Council is deliberating on the implementation of a $2.1 million contract with Flock Technology, a company providing artificial intelligence-driven surveillance cameras. Following a 6-4 vote in favor of the contract last month, local officials are now addressing concerns regarding privacy and the scope of the technology's reach.

Mayor Patrick Farrell and Councilwoman Tia Rumbaugh introduced two ordinances to establish regulations on the cameras' capabilities and usage. Mayor Farrell emphasized that the ordinances are designed to protect Fourth Amendment rights and explicitly reject mass surveillance. He stated that the system is intended for felony-related activity rather than minor infractions, noting that using such cameras for traffic violations is already illegal in West Virginia.

The discussions follow a lengthy interim committee meeting in Charleston and aim to incorporate safeguards observed in other municipalities across the country.