Flock Camera Ban Bill Sharpens Local Debate

Federal proposal highlights concerns over privacy, law enforcement use and safeguards for license-plate readers.

A new federal bill targeting Flock cameras is putting the growing debate over government surveillance before voters, with local candidates weighing the technology’s value to law enforcement against concerns about privacy, data access and potential misuse.

Republican-Conservative candidates interviewed by the South Shore Press said Flock cameras can help police locate missing people, identify suspects and solve crimes, while also calling for stronger restrictions and oversight.

“The police love them, and rightfully so,” State Sen. Dean Murray said, citing their usefulness in locating missing people and solving crimes. But the Senator also called for tighter controls against misuse. “I think there’s a way, there’s a compromise waiting.”

“Restrictions to the data are needed so access is not so freewheeling,” Assemblyman Joe DeStefano said, noting a legitimate public-safety purpose. “They do help solve crimes.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined Sens. Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley in introducing the Ban Flock Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using automatic license-plate readers and block federal grant funding to state and local governments that use the technology.

The proposal mirrors concerns expressed by Democratic congressional candidate Chris Gallant, who is challenging Rep. Nick LaLota in the 1st District.

“We are not living in communist China, so I think Flock cameras are ridiculous,” Gallant told the South Shore Press editorial board, warning they “could often be utilized in malicious ways.”

Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo said he supports the use of Flock cameras as a law-enforcement tool, but only with safeguards. “You can’t check on your old ex-girlfriend. That’s not good,” he stressed.

Democratic Suffolk comptroller candidate Jonathan Estreich also raised concerns, calling the expanding camera network “a freaking surveillance state.” Estreich said the comptroller should examine county contracts, data retention and who has access to information collected by the cameras.

“On Flock cameras, I support law enforcement, but I have serious constitutional and financial concerns,” noted Will Sussman, a Republican-Conservative candidate for the Assembly’s 4th District. “Until the courts clarify whether these systems comply with the Fourth Amendment, we should not invest more public money in them.”