Police in El Cerrito began the process of taking down license plate reader cameras on Thursday after the city decided to cut ties with Flock Safety, the cameras’ manufacturer.
“The El Cerrito Police Department has been working with Flock to coordinate the orderly removal of all Flock cameras within the city,” police said in a statement. “This process is currently underway.”
In May, the City Council voted against renewing its contract with Flock after it was revealed that federal agencies had accessed data from the city’s 40 cameras without police knowledge. The city became one of several in the Bay Area to part ways with Flock, following the cities of Mountain View, Los Altos Hills and Santa Cruz.
Flock advised El Cerrito police that the removal process will last until Aug. 18, and police will monitor the progress to ensure completion.
The cameras went out of commission last month when the contract expired on June 6. However, concerns were raised that the cameras were still operating after video circulated showing a camera flickering as cars passed by.
Flock advised police that the flickering light from the camera came from its infrared signals that are motion-activated, and that all cameras stopped capturing images when the contract expired.
“We recognize the community’s interest in this matter and remain committed to keeping city staff, elected officials and the public informed as the camera removal progresses,” police said.
Police said updates will be provided as needed until all cameras are taken down.
The post El Cerrito begins removal of license plate reader cameras appeared first on Local News Matters.