(From the Neosho Police Department)The Neosho Police Department is aware of recent community discussions and concerns regarding Flock Safety cameras and their use by law enforcement agencies in the area.
In the interest of transparency and public trust, the department would like to clarify its position and practices regarding this technology.
The Neosho Police Department does not own, operate, monitor, or have direct access to any Flock Safety camera system, network, database, or software platform. The department has not entered into an agreement with Flock Safety, a private business, civilian organization, or another law enforcement agency that provides access to Flock camera data.
The department is also not pursuing the purchase or installation of Flock Safety cameras, grant funding for the technology, or access to an existing Flock camera network. There are no current plans to implement this technology.
The Neosho Police Department recognizes that other law enforcement and public safety agencies in the region utilize Flock Safety cameras. There have been occasions when information originating from a Flock camera has been relayed to Neosho Police officers by another law enforcement or public safety entity. We believe it is important to be transparent about that fact.
Neosho Police officers do not request Flock searches through other law enforcement or public safety agencies. However, if another entity with access to Flock Safety technology independently receives information regarding a stolen vehicle, abducted or missing person, wanted individual, or other significant public safety concern, that information may be shared with Neosho Police officers through normal law enforcement communication channels. Officers may then respond to or act upon the information provided.
Neosho Police officers do not have the ability to independently access or search Flock systems, nor do they ask another agency to conduct those searches on their behalf.
Information received by the department is limited to specific information shared regarding a public safety matter or criminal investigation.
The Neosho Police Department firmly believes in protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens. The department's first duty is to act as guardians of civil liberties. Respect for the Fourth Amendment, individual liberty, and the privacy rights of those we serve remain fundamental principles of the department.
While technology can provide valuable investigative tools, those benefits must be carefully balanced with privacy, accountability, and constitutional protections.
The department recognizes that Flock Safety cameras have assisted law enforcement agencies in locating missing or abducted persons, recovering stolen vehicles, and investigating serious crimes.
The department recognizes that Flock Safety cameras have assisted law enforcement agencies in locating missing or abducted persons, recovering stolen vehicles, and investigating serious crimes.
At the same time, we recognize the concerns citizens have raised regarding the collection, retention, access, and use of information generated by this type of technology.
At this time, the Neosho Police Department has determined that directly implementing or accessing Flock Safety technology does not align with the department's approach to privacy, individual liberty, and Fourth Amendment protections.
We believe the citizens of Neosho deserve both safety and privacy, and that transparency is essential to maintaining the trust of the community we serve.
Neosho Police Chief Peter Russell, welcomes the opportunity to speak directly with citizens who have questions or concerns regarding Flock Safety cameras, including what technology the department does and does not have access to and how information may be shared between law enforcement agencies.
At this time, the Neosho Police Department has determined that directly implementing or accessing Flock Safety technology does not align with the department's approach to privacy, individual liberty, and Fourth Amendment protections.
We believe the citizens of Neosho deserve both safety and privacy, and that transparency is essential to maintaining the trust of the community we serve.
Neosho Police Chief Peter Russell, welcomes the opportunity to speak directly with citizens who have questions or concerns regarding Flock Safety cameras, including what technology the department does and does not have access to and how information may be shared between law enforcement agencies.
Citizens may contact the Neosho Police Department to schedule an appointment with Chief Russell.
Too many people don't want to be seen doing what they shouldn't. Especially city and county officials.
ReplyDeleteContinues to show how backwards, incompetent, and how much easier it is to hide criminal activity, by a bunch of Barney-Fifes - if I was the local public I would demand them to help stop all the illegal activity by both the citizens and the authorities. No need to lie and cover-up things when you are on camera - right Mr. Peter Russell - who does not believe in flock cameras.
ReplyDeleteKudos to the City leaders of Neosho. I hope someday that the folks who screech about the Constitution, will actually pick it up and read it. Those who would trade Liberty, for Security deserve neither.
ReplyDelete9:00PM, Maybe you need to read the Constitution and truly understand what it is saying - Matter of Fact Not Filming and Not Allowing Filming in Public is AGAINST OUR CONSTITUION!
ReplyDeleteFilming in public spaces is a constitutionally protected activity under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, giving to all individuals the right to record anything plainly visible from public areas like streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Key Legal Principles:
No Reasonable Expectation of Privacy: People generally have no legal expectation of privacy when they are out in public view, meaning consent is not required to record video of them.
Recording Public Officials: Federal appeals courts and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recognize a clear right to record police officers and other government officials performing their duties in public spaces.
Police Restrictions: Law enforcement officers cannot confiscate your phone or delete your photos and videos without a warrant, even if an arrest is made.
But we do have an expectation on data storage and the privacy of our information which these cameras and their parents companies collect. And to those who exclaim, "If you aren't doing anything wrong what are you worried about?" I say, that's the same as saying the 1st amendment isn't important because you have nothing to say.
DeleteYou have no reasonable expectation of privacy in public(.) PERIOD! There is no argument you could present against this - No matter what you think, want, assume - this is the FACTS! I would be worried about the IRS - that has their own armed militia inside their organization that carry weapons, assault and military gear - so they can seize your property and assets - with the blink of an eye!
ReplyDelete