El Paso, Texas (KTSM) - El Paso City Representative Chris Canales reacted after learning that the police department had effectively halted its use of Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras.
"I'm glad this experiment is over," the councilman posted on Wednesday, September 1.
Canales said Police Chief Peter Pacillas notified him that the department "has effectively halted the use of" Flock's automated license plate reader devices following the termination of grant funding from the state government.
He said he believes the decision to stop using the technology is the correct one.
"Flock has time and time again shown itself to be untrustworthy as a company," Canales said, citing concerns that the system is prone to misuse and abuse.
He also raised concerns about potential privacy violations, data sharing and access, along with what he described as "many scandals and negative incidents nationwide" involving Flock.
He noted that he had not seen those issues in El Paso.
Canales said he believed the potential drawbacks and risks associated with Flock outweighed its benefits.
"I understand the need for modern solutions to law enforcement, but to me, Flock was never a good solution because of these immense drawbacks and risks," Canales said.
Flock's cameras are designed to capture vehicle and license plate information that can be used by law enforcement agencies as an investigative tool. Some recent investigations have credited the technology for assisting police.
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Canales had previously opposed continuing the city's agreement with Flock, but his effort to end the partnership was unsuccessful when it came before City Council. The proposal was rejected in a 2-6 vote.
"I believe the decision being made now is the correct one," Canales said.
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