Multiple towns in Connecticut have removed Flock Safety license plate reader cameras from public roads following concerns over data privacy and potential federal access. Windsor and Killingworth recently voted to permanently disable the technology, citing insufficient transparency about who accesses stored information.
Windsor Mayor Nuchette Black-Burke announced that Town Council members approved a 5-4 vote on July 6 to turn off Flock Safety cameras after months of debate. Black-Burke stated the decision followed persistent questions about whether federal agencies could access the data, noting the company failed to provide clear answers during negotiations. “Privacy, where is the data going, who has access to that information—this was the core issue,” she said.
Killingworth, which installed four cameras along Route 81 last fall to address speeding and crime, confirmed its withdrawal after initial concerns emerged about the technology’s security. Resident Scott Prisley acknowledged local speeding issues but expressed reservations about the system’s privacy implications, noting a protest sign near one camera read: “MASS SURVEILLANCE CAMERA. YOUR LOCATION IS BEING TRACKED.”
The towns’ actions come amid nationwide scrutiny of Flock Safety cameras, which have faced backlash in cities including Los Angeles and Houston for alleged misuse by law enforcement. In Virginia, a U.S. Air Force engineer was charged with damaging 13 Flock devices after reports indicated federal access to the system. Black-Burke emphasized that while the technology can detect stolen vehicles and issue alerts, it cannot guarantee residents’ privacy—a concern heightened by recent ICE-related protests in Connecticut communities.
Windsor’s council initially paused camera operations on February 18 but ultimately finalized their removal as part of a months-long review. The decision marks the final resolution in a contentious debate over surveillance technology and civil liberties in the state.
