Record request yields seven Flock camera vandalism reports in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department has responded to at least seven reports of vandalism to Flock cameras in the city from the beginning of this year through Sept. 30, according to documents obtained by ABC 17 News.

However, CPD redacted all the locations, citing protections in Missouri's Sunshine Law that allow police to keep information about surveillance from the public. ABC 17 News has requested clarification.

The first report was filed on July 22, with six other reports filed in August. The bulk of the August reports were filed within one week, and two reports were filed on Aug. 19.

In late September, a Flock camera appeared to be cut down in Cosmo Park. However, the records request didn't return a report associated with that incident.

CPD also redacted suspect information in the reports. ABC 17 News has reached out to the Boone County Prosecutor's Office to see if any charges have been referred.

This comes as people protest Flock camera use across the U.S. Some protesters claim the AI-powered cameras violate privacy. Many law enforcement agencies claim the data helps combat crime, including CPD and the Jefferson City Police Department.

A protest against the automatic license plate readers was held in Jefferson City on Sunday.

Some agencies have begun to terminate contracts with the camera company, including the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office in Mid-Missouri.

CPD operates a network with dozens of the cameras placed through Columbia.

Check back for updates.