(The Center Square) – At least $2 million in Washington taxpayer dollars have gone to Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader cameras. The result: vandalism, cancelled contracts and fewer successful car thefts?
In recent weeks, anti-surveillance vandalism has forced dozens of Washington jurisdictions to rethink or defend their agreements with the Atlanta-based company, which has enticed governments across the country with their artificial intelligence-powered, crime-fighting technology.
Police say the cameras have helped prevent and solve crimes from theft to homicide. Before the City of Redmond cancelled its contract with Flock in July, Police Chief Darrell Lowe told a skeptical council on March 10 that the camera system allowed them to close cases 38% faster and improved stolen vehicle recovery by 72%…