The ACLU of Wisconsin is welcoming changes to how the Milwaukee Police Department uses Flock automated license plate readers.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson says officers and detectives will no longer have access to the Flock system the department uses, giving that responsibility to supervisors only. Supervisors will also only be able to use the equipment for investigating “Part 1” crimes, which include homicide, rape, burglary, and more. The ACLU said in a statement that while the changes are a positive step, the system still remains an incredibly invasive technology that should require a warrant to use.
The move comes amid mounting criticism of the use of the technology and alleged misuse by two former MPD staffers.
Showing you different sides so you can decide, locally there is a case connected to FLOCK cameras that officials say led to an arrest.
Cumberland Police say Flock license plate cameras were used to track down a suspect in a recent armed robbery. The incident happened last Wednesday when someone who had arranged to meet an individual they connected with online met them in person to make a purchase. At that point — according to the report — the supposed seller pulled out a gun and stole 300 dollars from the victim before fleeing. Flock cameras were used to track down the suspect, who was later arrested in Eau Claire County.
