The City of Cabot has immediately suspended its use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras as city officials prepare to review the technology and gather input from the public.
Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade announced the suspension after acknowledging concerns from residents about privacy and the collection of license plate information.
Kincade said supporting the Cabot Police Department and providing officers with resources to protect the community have remained priorities during his administration. As the son of a police officer, Kincade said he understands the importance of providing law enforcement with effective public safety tools.
The Cabot Police Department has used Flock Safety cameras as an investigative resource to help locate stolen vehicles and assist officers during critical public safety alerts.
The cameras automatically capture license plate information from passing vehicles. Although law enforcement agencies use the technology to support investigations, automated license plate readers have generated public debate about privacy, data retention and access to information collected by the systems.
Kincade said he has heard the concerns raised by Cabot residents about the potential effect of the cameras on citizens’ privacy.
Effective immediately, Cabot is suspending its deployment of the automated license plate reader cameras while the city conducts what the mayor described as a comprehensive review.
City officials will also invite Cabot residents and local leaders to provide input during the review process. Details concerning how and when the public may submit comments were not immediately included in the announcement.
Kincade emphasized that the city must protect both public safety and individual rights as officials determine the future of the camera program.
“As your mayor, I firmly believe that public safety and civil liberties must never conflict; both must be protected equally,” Kincade said.
The city has not announced how long the suspension will remain in effect or when a final decision concerning the Flock Safety camera program could be made.
ArkansasRadio.com will provide additional information when the City of Cabot announces details about the review and opportunities for public participation.
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