Court Scrutiny on ANPR Surveillance Technology Use in Great Barrington, MA
What happened
Great Barrington is the only police department in Berkshire County that operates automated license-plate readers (ANPR) technology, which captures images of passing vehicles including plate numbers, make, model, and color. This data is stored in a searchable database that law enforcement agencies can access. The use of this technology by the Massachusetts State Police is currently under judicial scrutiny and court order. Concerns have been raised regarding how the collected data is searched, retained, and shared with other law enforcement agencies.
From berkshireeagle.com
Why it matters
The technology, which includes systems from companies like Flock Safety and Motorola Vigilant, has been criticized by privacy advocates due to its potential to create searchable records of movement. A recent YouGov survey of 20,000 U.S. adults found that 46 percent oppose the use of this surveillance technology.
From berkshireeagle.com
Who's involved
- Flock SafetyAmerican surveillance technology company whose products are used in the system.
- Massachusetts State PoliceLaw enforcement agency whose use of the technology is under judicial scrutiny.
- Great BarringtonTown where the ANPR surveillance technology is currently being used.
- YouGovInternational market research firm whose findings regarding public opinion were cited.
- MotorolaAmerican telecommunications company whose products are utilized in the surveillance system.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Flock SafetySpeculative
The company could face increased contract cancellations from law enforcement agencies due to concerns over data misuse.
- Massachusetts State PoliceSpeculative
The state police agency might face orders requiring public disclosure regarding the location of ANPR cameras.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Flock Safety
American surveillance technology company
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Massachusetts State Police
agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Executive Office of Public Safety and Security responsible for criminal law enforcement and traffic vehicle regulation across the state
Nothing else this week.
Related events
- Flock Safety is facing scrutiny over its use of ALPR technology in West Virginia, with the technology being used in the state.
- Widespread use and technology expansion of Flock Safety surveillance systems in Florida.
- Flock Safety manufactures ALPR used by the State Department of Law Enforcement, prompting privacy concerns from the Hawai’i Government Employees Association.
- Flock Safety is providing surveillance technology to West Hollywood, and social media is being used to report crime.
- Lawmakers in Ohio are considering legislation to criminalize the misuse of surveillance tools.