Somerville
Flock is not known to be present in Somerville (yet).
Documents obtained in a public records request indicate Flock is in discussion with Somerville Police. Ensuring that these cameras do not get installed is vital, as removing them will be far more complicated.
Somerville has a Surveillance Technology Use Policy. It is unclear how Flock cameras would be permitted considering the clauses on storing the video on digital video recorders (DVRs) physically located at Somerville Police Department property. The use policy also has specific rules on sharing data, but does not outright prohibit it.
Screenshot of communications between Flock and Waltham Police Department obtained through a public records request indicating an engagement with Somerville PD. Click image for the full document, text pictured above is contained in page 51. Text version available here.
Take Action
Join us to promote legislature to ban these unconstitutional platforms. And from a harm reduction standpoint, implement legislature to minimize the scope, amount, and duration during which data is stored.
Spread the word
Meet and discuss with your neighbors to increase awareness.
Adapt your talking points. Don’t start off from a political angle. Identify a reason you think it may concern them – be it concerns of sharing with ICE, constitutional rights violation, the ever expanding power of tech companies over the lives of private citizens, or police spying on their exes.
Speak to your MA House Rep about Bill H.3755
Massachusetts House Bill 3755 is by no means a panacea, but at least some legislators are interested in reigning in the data retention and privacy aspects. Find your House Representative here and contact them about the bill but indicate you are seeking a total ban.
The ACLU also has a tool to automatically email your representatives in support of this bill.
Map missing ALPRs
Find an ALPR not on DeFlock.me’s map? Add it!
Follow instructions here. Not tech savvy? Contact us below. Please take a picture and take note of where the camera was located and we will help you submit.
Contact us
somerville at eyesoffma dot com