Monterey County flock cameras vandalized amid privacy debate [pvOauaATXsn]
Flock cameras in Monterey County have been targeted in recent acts of vandalism, reigniting debates over privacy, surveillance, and safety. In Seaside, two cameras were reportedly cut down along Del Monte Boulevard near the Home Depot parking lot. In another incident, a man allegedly rammed his vehicle into a camera to destroy it. “There’s more than just vandalism alone. I’m sure people have seen on the internet that this is kind of a trend, so we’re looking at possible conspiracy to commit a crime beyond the vandalism, and also those flock cameras are computer systems, so it’s denying access to a computer system, which is a felony in California,” Seaside police said. On Tuesday, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Pismo Beach man accused of destroying three flock license plate readers, one of which was captured on video. “Right now, my detectives are investigating the reason why he did it. Is there any motivations? Is he connected to other crimes that may have occurred into the area?” Monterey County Sheriff, Tina Nieto said. Detectives reported that the vandalism caused thousands of dollars in damages. Across the nation, there has been growing opposition to mass surveillance. “What we’re seeing with the public is pushback and outcry against this mass surveillance, this warrantless mass surveillance. So some people are taking action. I’m not going to encourage it, but what we have to be concerned about is an ongoing assault on our civil liberty,” Monterey County criminal defense attorney Chris Cain said. Cain also highlighted constitutional concerns regarding the cameras. “Flock cameras are more than just traffic cameras. It’s actually warrantless searches and mass surveillance on everyone. It records a lot more than just the license plate. It will record data for where a person is going, where they’ve been, and increasingly it’s recording facial recognition,” Cain said. Law enforcement officials maintain that the cameras are essential tools for solving crimes. “Whenever you take away what we call an ALPR system, any camera system, you’re taking away a tool that our investigators are using to help solve other crimes,” Nieto said. Flock Safety issued a statement, saying in part: “These are tools agencies rely on to respond quickly and help keep people safe. People have every right to make their voices heard, but criminal acts should never be part of that process.” Cain also raised concerns about the security of the camera systems, questioning whether Flock has adequate internal security measures to prevent data breaches or the sharing of information with third parties.