Opponents and privacy advocates react after LAPD ends its contract with Flock Safety

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Police Department ended its contract with Flock Safety and its network of surveillance cameras, and more reactions are pouring in.

For the past several years, the LAPD used Flock cameras as what it described as a crime-fighting tool. The contract ended - at least for now - as the department reviews concerns about how data collected by the system is stored.

The cameras, mounted on poles throughout L.A., are owned by Flock Safety. The LAPD does not own the cameras but had a contract allowing the department to access the system.

The devices capture images of vehicles, including their make, model, color and license plates. The stored data is retained for between seven and 30 days before being deleted.

The LAPD acknowledged there are data privacy issues related to the technology but left open the possibility of reentering negotiations with the company.

During a Police Commission meeting, opponents of the program criticized the cameras and raised concerns about how the technology could be used.

"What happens to Flock Safety being a road map for mass deportation?" said Hamid Khan with the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition during a press conference on Tuesday. "What happens to Flock Safety that has become a tool, a weapon at the hands of cops, when not a single day goes by where we don't find out that they're stalking their exes, their romantic partners, their ex wives, their estranged wives, even their extended relationships as well."

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the department remains focused on privacy protections as it evaluates new technologies.

"As we evaluate emerging technologies. the department will continue to assist on strong privacy protections clear accountability and responsible data stewardship," McDonnell said.

Responding to criticism, the LAPD said it did not use Flock cameras to assist federal immigration efforts.

Flock Safety said it supports strong privacy protections and oversight and is continuing discussions with the LAPD to find a path forward.

The LAPD's decision comes as several law enforcement agencies across the country have canceled Flock contracts over similar concerns during the past two years, including the South Pasadena Police Department.