The Ferndale City Council is set to vote on November 24, 2023, regarding the future of a controversial surveillance program involving license plate cameras. The program, which utilizes technology from Flock Safety, has drawn mixed reactions from residents as concerns about privacy clash with arguments for enhanced public safety.
The Ferndale Police Department has installed 15 license plate readers at key entry points around the city. Chief Dennis Emmi explained that the cameras capture images of vehicles and their license plates, sending alerts to officers when they detect flagged vehicles. “You can’t see the occupant, you can’t identify race. In most cases, you can’t identify a gender. It’s just a picture of your vehicle,” Emmi stated, emphasizing the focus on license plate identification rather than personal details.
According to Emmi, more than 5,000 communities across the United States employ similar technology, and the Ferndale Police Department credits the system with solving various crimes, including robberies, home invasions, and a recent homicide case linked to road rage. Police shared footage illustrating how officers receive immediate alerts, enhancing their response capabilities.
Despite the potential benefits, public opinion is divided. Many residents express indifference towards the surveillance, arguing that honest citizens have nothing to fear. “If you’re truthful and honest about things, and you’re not doing anything wrong, we don’t care about those cameras at all,” said Christopher Mallette, a resident from Detroit.
Conversely, others voice strong concerns about the implications of increased surveillance. Libby Parton from Warren emphasized the importance of resisting a culture of normalizing surveillance, stating, “I think it’s important that we not just become comfortable and become more groomed to normalized surveillance.”
The current pilot program began in 2023 and is slated for a reduction in the number of cameras to nine as part of the new proposal. Prasad Venugopal, a member of the Ferndale Inclusion Network, advocates against renewing the contract with Flock. “I don’t think we should be tracked this way,” he asserted. “We should not have to give up our constitutionally protected rights and liberties in exchange for solving these crimes.”
In light of the upcoming vote, city officials are hosting community discussions to gather public input. Another in-person meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, allowing residents to voice their concerns or support regarding the surveillance program.
The council’s decision will shape the future of surveillance in Ferndale and reflect the community’s stance on the balance between safety and privacy rights.
