Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Springfield City Council Tuesday will consider renewing the city’s contract with Flock — the company that makes surveillance cameras used in different parts of the community.
This, after a number of aldermen last week said they didn’t trust the company to not use the data for other purposes, and didn’t like the idea of big brother watching citizens.
The Council will vote on paying Flock $508,000 for use of the cameras through February, 2028.
Mayor Misty Buscher says the aldermen’s concerns are largely unfounded.
“The information is not shared,” said Buscher. “We make sure that it’s in our contract that it’s not shared. Your cell phone is probably more accessible for sharing than the cameras would be, and we’re all carrying those around. I think that’s something we need to keep in mind. Your information is already out there.”
Flock also makes the ShotSpotter detection system, which is not a part of the contract the council will vote on.
The company has been accused in the past of violating state law regarding data, which led to other cities ending their contracts with Flock.
“It’s our job at the city to police our cameras and our contract with Flock, so that’s what we will do and have been doing,” said Buscher. “I can’t speak on what was going on in other communities. But, for the City of Springfield, we will make sure our data is secure.”
For the city, Buscher says the one thing she knows for sure is that using the cameras has lowered crime.
The Springfield City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
