The debate over privacy and public safety is back in focus in Cheektowaga, one of Buffalo’s largest suburbs, as town leaders consider expanding their network of automated license plate readers.
The town already operates 29 Flock Safety cameras mounted on utility poles across the area. The cameras use artificial intelligence and machine learning to process and analyze data. Now, officials want to add 2 more at a cost of $3,000 each, annually.
At Tuesday night’s town board meeting, Police Chief Brian Coons outlined the proposal, citing an increase in the efficiency of law enforcement cases. Representatives from Flock Safety also delivered a presentation to address concerns about how the tools work and how the data is used.
Trevor Chandler, public affairs director for Flock Safety, said the cameras do not use facial recognition and are not connected to DMV or individual records…