Fort Collins and Boulder may stop using Flock surveillance cameras. Here’s why they’re controversial

Drive through some communities in Colorado, and your movements may be monitored by a network of cameras that track your license plate.   

A company called Flock Safety operates dozens of these cameras in Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins. They’ve quietly photographed millions of cars over the last year.  And right now, these cities are grappling with the question of whether these cameras help fight crime – or are an abuse of privacy and civil liberties.  

Denver leaders announced in February they would not renew the city’s contract with Flock. Officials in Boulder and Fort Collins are also considering dropping their use of Flock cameras after public opposition.   

To better understand the debate over the cameras, we reached out to Steven Keener. He’s an assistant professor of criminology at Christopher Newport University in Virginia. Keener studies the use of Flock cameras across the U.S., including their effect on crime reduction and concerns over how the data is shared. 

He joined Erin O’Toole to discuss how Flock data has been used by law enforcement, as well as some of the philosophical objections to the cameras.    

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
 
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

 

What is In The NOCO?

KUNC's In The NOCO is a daily look at the stories, news, people and issues important to you. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show explores the big stories of the day, bringing context and insight to issues that matter. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we explore the lighter side of news, highlighting what makes this state such an incredible place to live.