By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
Surveillance cameras placed around Piedmont could soon start taking photographs of license plates for police investigations.
The traffic-monitoring cameras that are already used by Oklahoma City,Yukon and also Union City police, have been requested for use in Piedmont. Police Chief Shayne Clark has requested a $17,750 a year contract with Flock Safety to lease and install five surveillance cameras at locations in Piedmont city limits.
But city council members decided they wanted to hold off on any such use of the cameras by police officers.
“I have some legitimate concerns about who this information is shared with, who can access it and the lack of any laws that regulate this type of system and the information it collects,” city councilman Jonathan Hisey said.
Hisey requested the camera plan be tabled for a month. Councilmembers agreed to table the item.
“I think people need to be aware of this before we just approve a one-year contract,” Hisey said.
Clark explained to council members that the cameras are not used to prosecute traffic crimes, but are used for investigative purposes. The cameras have taken photos of license plates on stolen cars and led to police officers making other arrests, such as a homicide suspect.
Councilman Ron Cardwell, Ward 2, said he also wanted to study the issue longer and let people know more about the cameras.
“It does have a heavy cloud of big brother you know, watching us, and a lot of people in Oklahoma and in Piedmont don’t like that.”
The contract would be funded through money collected by the municipal court.
Jim Fink, a representative of Flock Safety, told council members the cameras are used for Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts and other public safety alerts.
Oklahoma City has 90 cameras in use including one on Northwest Expressway near Piedmont, Clark said.
Hisey, who represents Ward 4 in Piedmont, said there have been cases in other cities where mistakes with license plate readers have led to unwarranted traffic stops and unlawful detainments.
“It will take one incident like that and all hell will come down on me if I approve this,” Hisey said.
Councilman Byron Shlomach, Ward 5, said he is concerned about the cameras and the information they collect and share.
“I just don’t want to get into a situation where we are participating in some kind of Chinese-type surveillance,” Shlomach said.
Councilmembers Shlomach, Hisey, Rob Jones and Cardwell voted to table the issue. Councilman Ryan Aller was not present at the Monday, Nov. 27 regular monthly meeting.
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