Columbia City Council to vote on Flock security cameras Monday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia City Council members are set to vote on implementing Flock security cameras in Monday night's council meeting.

The Flock Safety Surveillance system is designed to read license plates, which will help detect stolen or suspicious vehicles. It would notify Columbia police the moment the vehicle enters a specific area. It will be used by both the police department and the Parks and Recreation Department.

CPD has received feedback from residents regarding the Flock system and have received mixed reviews. CPD 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.

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.