Billerica Town Meeting Features Eccentric Praise for Surveillance Technology
What happened
Amid ongoing public outcry in Massachusetts regarding Flock Safety’s license plate readers, an unusual figure attended the Billerica Select Board meeting on Monday, September 21. The individual, who was unidentified, approached the microphone in a Krampus costume to extol the virtues of the automatic camera systems. The individual argued that the technology could identify those involved in subversive or naughty activities. Select Board Chairman Mike Riley followed the remarks but did not address the specific comments.
From wror.com
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intense public scrutiny facing the use of advanced ALPR technology in local government bodies. The company Flock Safety is central to the debate regarding the deployment and acceptance of its surveillance technology in communities like Billerica.
From wror.com
Who's involved
- BillericaTown where the Select Board meeting took place.
- MassachusettsState where the town of Billerica is located.
- Mike RileySelect Board Chairman in Billerica.
- Flock SafetyCompany whose technology was the subject of the praise.
- Boston.comNews organization that reported on the event.
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The entities involved
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Billerica
town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States
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Massachusetts
state of the United States of America