What Does Yakima Think About Flock Cameras?

AI data centers, Big Tech, and Flock cameras are dividing both liberals and conservatives oblivious to party lines. Let's examine what the public really thinks about this new technology!

What Are Flock Cameras?

Flock cameras are solar-powered cameras that use AI to examine license plates, car makes, models, and unique features. They are put into a database that law enforcement can access to track stolen vehicles or even locate missing people.

Concerns and Criticism

While most law enforcement agencies praise the cameras for helping them do their jobs efficiently, local grassroots movements have expressed massive concern about the cameras' potential for misuse. Many have brought up that although its illegal, police can access non-criminals' records as well, and having that kind of data is a massive breach of privacy. We have seen some major privacy breaches nationally. Also, who could these records potentially be turned over to?

What Does Yakima Think?

Again, there is a defined split not between left and right, but between local law enforcement and the politically active ordinary citizen. While many Yakimanians are indifferent and support the camera's definite ability to assist crime fighting, the opposition group is more vocal.

A local volunteer group, Central Washington Resistance, has been gathering hundreds of signatures to end the Flock cameras. Community members have been showing up at city council meetings to voice their concerns, leading to the city council's decision to restrict their implementation in some areas such as healthcare centers, schools, and churches. On the more aggressive side, a Flock camera at 66th Avenue and Englewood was intentionally cut down and disabled!

The Stats

Some proponents have brought up the fact that local car thefts have dropped 51% since 2021 due to the implementation of these devices. Detractors ask if a reduction in crime is worth the potential for dystopian government overreach.

READ MORE: CAMPAIGNS BEGIN FOR GIRL'S SPORTS, PARENTAL RIGHTS, INCOME TAX INITIATIVES 

Yakima, what do you think? Let us know in the comments or call into Good Morning Yakima on NewsTalk 1280/101.3 KIT between 6–9 AM at (509) 972-5481 tomorrow, August 14th, to share your thoughts with our hosts Dave Ettl, Owen Kane, and Jack Balzer!