Columbia residents torn over Flock security system, as city leaders are set to vote on Monday
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Columbia City Council will vote on an agreement that would allow Flock Safety to install security cameras throughout the city during Monday night's council meeting.
The Flock Safety Surveillance System is designed to read license plates, helping to detect stolen or suspicious vehicles. The plan has been in the works since late July after the Columbia City Council rejected a previous security camera system in November 2022.
A memo states the cameras would be able to notify police the moment a suspect vehicle enters an area.
In August, the Columbia Police Department held several informational sessions to gather public feedback on the Flock cameras. The Columbia Police Department received 12 public comment cards about the Flock system, with mixed feedback. Six residents were in favor of the cameras, three were strongly opposed, and the remaining three either asked questions or left no comment.
Mary Missocato, who left a comment on the card, showed support for the introduction of the surveillance system, advocating for the use of the cameras to aid local law enforcement.
"I feel we really need to get Flock to help decrease the time police officers have to spend to track down crime/ offenders." Missocato wrote.
Susan Dickerson, who left a question on her comment card, later clarified with ABC 17 News that she strongly supports the system and hopes council members approve the agreement. She acknowledged that privacy concerns have been raised by people who are opposed to the camera system, but pushed back on that thought.
"If you really consider things like your handheld device--that your cell phone that everyone carries today, that is much more invasive of your privacy than any camera system utilized in public areas," Dickerson said.
She also said that the Columbia Neighborhood Watch will be in attendance for the city council meeting.
On the other side of the debate, Anthony Willroth, a Columbia resident who opposes the Flock system voiced his concerns, saying he finds the system to be intrusive.
"My thoughts on Flock are that there is not a clear need for it and that there's plenty of alternatives out there that don't seem as intrusive," Wilroth said. "So, I don't see what the rush is to adopt the system in Columbia right now. I can choose to leave my phone at home. I can't choose to not go out in public."
Eugene Elkin, another resident, shared Willroth’s stance, leaving a comment on a comment card.
"Absolutely NO!!!! To Flock," Elkin wrote.
The security system would be financed through general fund reserves and the CPD budget. The initial cost of the contract would be $539,400 for the first year then $476,000 annually. The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department will pay $45,450 initially, then $39,000 annually.
If approved, each ward in Columbia will receive a number of cameras and intersection packages. Some downtown cameras would also be replaced.
Monday's council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m.
