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Bay City Residents Oppose Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Contract

July 22, 2025 | Bay City, Bay County, Michigan


This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »

Bay City Residents Oppose Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Contract
Bay City residents are raising significant concerns regarding public safety and privacy following a recent city commission meeting. The discussions centered around two critical issues: the reopening of Fire Station 5 and a proposed contract for automated license plate readers with Flock Safety.

Community members voiced their strong support for the reopening of Fire Station 5, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fire stations in their current locations to ensure quick response times. Residents highlighted that having fire stations nearby is crucial for the safety of neighborhoods, particularly in emergencies. They urged the commission to prioritize the reopening, stressing that response times can mean the difference between life and death.

In a separate but equally pressing matter, attorney Adam Redick expressed his opposition to the proposed contract with Flock Safety. He raised alarms about the implications of automated license plate readers, arguing that the contract lacks adequate oversight and could lead to significant privacy violations. Redick pointed out that the agreement allows Flock Safety to share data with third parties, including federal agencies, without proper warrants. He warned that this could create a surveillance network that tracks the movements of all residents, not just those suspected of crimes.

Redick's concerns extended to the contract's terms, which he described as unfavorable for the community. He noted that while the data collected is claimed to be anonymized, it could still be used to train artificial intelligence systems indefinitely. He urged the commission to reconsider the contract, framing the decision as one that could normalize invasive surveillance practices in Bay City.

As the city grapples with these issues, residents are calling for transparency and accountability from their elected officials. The outcomes of these discussions will have lasting implications for public safety and individual privacy in the community. The commission's next steps will be closely watched by citizens who are eager to see their concerns addressed.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
Scribe from Workplace AI