Another Iowa City Says Goodbye to Flock Cameras

Flock cameras have gotten a lot of headlines in Iowa recently. The cameras that feature automated license plate readers have come under increased scrutiny when it comes to the privacy of citizens. Another Iowa city has agreed to turn off its Flock cameras, at least for the time being.

Another Iowa City Turns Off Flock Cameras

The Des Moines Register reports that the eight Flock cameras that surveilled the city of Indianola have been deactivated by police. As of Monday, August 17th, the cameras used by the Indianola Police Department were deactivated, and outside agencies' access to the data collected by those cameras was also disabled.

Indianola joins the city of Waukee, which decided to not renew its contract with Flock on August 14th, and Coralville, which ended its contract in February, according to the Register.

Why Did Police Shut Down the Cameras?

According to a press release from the Indianola Police Department, questions about the cameras' use in the community "deserve thoughtful consideration." Officials say that suspending the camera program gives police the chance to "listen, evaluate those concerns."

The Register reports that police say that the cameras will remain up pending coordination with Flock Safety. The annual cost to operate the cameras is $24,000. Previously collected data will be retained for 30 days, unless it is part of an ongoing investigation, according to the Register.

If you want to know where Flock cameras are in your community, the above map from Deflock.org will show you!