Monterey Park residents express concerns about Flock cameras, privacy at community meeting

MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- Monterey Park is holding a community meeting on Tuesday night amid growing concerns about the city's use of automated license plate readers.

Flock Safety cameras have been in use in Monterey Park since 2020. Police said Tuesday night's information session is intended to answer questions and concerns from residents about the technology.

The cameras, which have drawn privacy and security concerns across the country, capture images of vehicles, including their make, model and color, and store data so law enforcement can track down suspects in crimes.

Some communities are reconsidering whether to continue using the service. Last month, the Los Angeles Police Department announced it was ending its agreement with Flock Safety.

"This contract is not being renewed because of serious concerns around civil liberties and civil rights issues, particularly around privacy and data that is being collected from these cameras," said Dean Gialamas, LAPD's chief information officer.

Some people support the surveillance devices and want them expanded to more areas. Others have concerns.

"I get it for crime for everything. But it is a little uncomfortable," said Kimberly Forbes of Burbank.

On Tuesday, Flock Safety said it is still working with LAPD on a new agreement. The security firm said it is listening to critics, and that those conversations have led to a deeper understanding of what Flock is doing with the cameras.

"Once they understand what the technology actually does, not what it might do in 50 years, not what someone thinks it could do, but what it actually does day in and day out. It takes a picture of a car...most people go, 'This makes a lot of sense. I want my kids to be safe," said Garrett Langley, the founder and CEO of Flock.