news.volyx.in

LAPD lets contract with surveillance giant Flock expire (techcrunch.com)

473 points by forks · 45 days ago · 414 comments on HN

Article summary

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has decided not to renew its contract with Flock Safety, a surveillance company that provides license plate cameras, due to concerns over civil liberties and privacy. The contract is set to expire, and the LAPD has cited issues with data collection and storage as the reason for not renewing it. Flock Safety has a network of over 80,000 cameras across the US, and several cities have stopped working with the company over similar concerns. The LAPD's decision may not necessarily mean the removal of the cameras, as Flock owns them and may choose to keep them in place.

Main themes

  • Surveillance and privacy
  • Police technology
  • Civil liberties
  • Data collection
  • Government contracts

What commenters say

  • The end of the contract does not necessarily mean the removal of the cameras, as Flock owns them and may choose to keep them in place.
  • Some argue that police should have access to technology that helps them apprehend criminals, while others believe that surveillance infringes on civil liberties.
  • The use of surveillance cameras can lead to abuse of power and harassment by law enforcement, and therefore, their use should be limited.
  • Others argue that body cameras and other forms of accountability can help prevent police misconduct, and that surveillance cameras can be a useful tool for law enforcement when used responsibly.
  • The decision to end the contract is seen as a positive step towards protecting privacy and civil liberties, but some question whether it will have a significant impact.
  • There is a concern that private companies like Flock can create a loophole for surveillance that bypasses traditional legal frameworks and oversight.
  • Some argue that the city should have more control over data collection and storage, rather than relying on private companies like Flock.
  • The effectiveness of surveillance cameras in preventing crime is debated, with some arguing that they simply shift crime to other areas rather than reducing it.