The Southbury Police Department has withdrawn its request to install five Flock license plate reader cameras throughout the town, citing the need for further conversations around the technology and in support of concerns raised over the past few weeks.
In a July 2 letter to the Board of Selectmen, Police Chief Christopher Grillo said, “After hearing the feedback from members of the public, we believe it is appropriate to rescind our current request at this time.”
The letter continues, “It has become clear that there are questions and concerns that warrant additional education and discussion so the community has a better understanding of how the Flock camera system operates, the safeguards that are in place, and the intended public safety benefits it provides.”
“This decision is being made out of the respect for our community and in support of the concerns that have been expressed.”
— Chief Christopher Grillo
The letter also includes the possibility of the proposal returning “after additional outreach and education have taken place.”
The decision comes just days after the Board of Finance delayed the consideration of funding for the proposed camera system until it could receive additional information from the Board of Selectmen. During that meeting, several members of the public voiced concerns about privacy and data security, while finance board members debated their own role in evaluating the request.
The original proposal called for five automated license plate reading cameras placed strategically around town.
First Selectman Tim O’Neil told the Record that the town’s introduction to Flock came through an earlier, separate review of security cameras for the town parks. He noted that because of costs, another contractor was selected for cameras to be installed at the parks. Those cameras are not license plate reading cameras, he said.
“The Chief brought this proposal forward because he is deeply familiar with Southbury’s public safety challenges,” said O’Neil. “Considering the easy access to the highways, Southbury has been susceptible to numerous larcenies, and in these cases having immediate access to data for investigative tools could help our police do their work more efficiently.”
O’Neil continued, “As part of the public meeting process, residents raised concerns. They had the opportunity to provide comment, elected representatives asked questions, and the Chief listened. This is exactly why we use public meetings. He heard the concerns and made the decision to withdraw his request based on the public feedback and those concerns.”
It has not been decided yet if Flock cameras or any other technology will be considered in a future budget cycle, said O’Neil.
“I am confident Chief Grillo is looking out for Southbury as the head of the Southbury Police Department and I appreciate the work he does for our town,” said O’Neil. “His responsiveness and concerns for our residents go without saying along with his continued focus on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community trust.”
By Evan Triantafilidis
The Southbury Record 