Flock cameras out; Appleton, Wisconsin looks to set standards for future license plate readers [H8LYmURosUI]
The Appleton Safety and Licensing Committee recommended new standards for when Appleton considers installing new automated license plate reading cameras. Last month, Mayor Jake Woodford announced the city would stop using Flock cameras. The decision comes after Oshkosh canceled its Flock contract in April, and neighboring Grand Chute canceled its Flock contract while simultaneously choosing to sign a contract with Axon to provide ALPR cameras. Elsewhere in the state, Dane County and Sturgeon Bay also voted earlier this year to cancel their contracts. Green Bay announced in May it would continue using Flock cameras. Appleton does not need the Common Council's approval to stop using the cameras; it only needs approval to stop issuing payments to Flock, according to Woodford. Flock camera use will end next Tuesday, June 30. The committee decided to: 1. End payments Flock camera 2. Recommend to establish Public Oversight and Accountability Standards for Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) and mass surveillance 3. NOT outright ban license plate reading cameras, as was proposed by Ald. Nate Wolff Alders Denise Fenton and Katie Van Zeeland proposed the public oversight and accountability standards, which passed 4-0 in the committee. Appleton Police Chief Polly Olson advocated for ALPR use in Appleton before the Safety and Licensing Committee on Wednesday, also expressing support for the public oversight and accountability standards. Olson also cited specific examples of ALPR cameras helping to track down suspects in cases including battery, disorderly conduct, homicide, sexual assault, reckless driving, hit-and-runs, stolen vehicles and drug crimes. She also noted a missing father and child and a missing female were located with the help of ALPR cameras. Olson also mentioned the need for safeguards for the officers who use the ALPR cameras. Appleton has requested that the cameras be removed no later than July 31. Common Council is expected to decide on ending payments to Flock and establishing the public oversight and accountability standards at its next meeting on July 15. Read more: #flock #flockcameras #appletonwi #wisconsin #police _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: WLUK on Facebook: WLUK on X: Subscribe to WLUK on YouTube: Daily News Playlist: For more information, visit Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 920.494.8711 WLUK is a WI based station and a FOX Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #WLUK #FOX11 #WLUKFox11 #FOX11News #GreenBay