HARRISBURG, Ark. — The city of Harrisburg has announced its Flock cameras will be covered and taken offline as the discussion over privacy concerns continues.
Harrisburg Mayor Justin Kimble posted on social media Sunday that the license plate reader cameras would be covered by black trash bags.
“When government technology reaches the point where it can potentially create a detailed record of where ordinary citizens travel, the history and life of a vehicle, what bumper stickers you may have, so other internet sites can try to sell you more merchandise like that, or building a case against people with information from a camera without a legitimate search warrant, I believe we have an obligation to ask some very serious questions about privacy, oversight, due process, and the Fourth Amendment,” Kimble wrote.
Supporters of the Flock cameras say they can be an important tool for law enforcement, such as aiding investigations into violent crimes. However, opponents say the cameras can invade an individual’s privacy regardless of whether they are accused of breaking the law.
“This decision isn’t about being anti-law enforcement or anti-technology. It is about recognizing that public safety and constitutional liberty are not mutually exclusive,” Kimble said. “Government should not have to sacrifice one to protect the other. Technology should serve the people. The people should never become servants of the technology.”
Kimble said that until he is satisfied that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the privacy and constitutional rights of the citizens the city serves, the cameras would remain covered and offline or be completely removed.
