The Galva Police Department will stop using its Flock Safety cameras, Police Chief Kraig Townsend said Wednesday.
“The city of Galva will be phasing out its Flock Safety camera system, following the recent decision by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office” to discontinue use of the cameras, Townsend wrote in a news release issued Wednesday.
“The cameras served as an invaluable force multiplier for law enforcement, acting as extra eyes for our community to bolster local safety and provide vital support to surrounding law enforcement agencies during joint investigations,” according to the chief. “The technology consistently demonstrated its value as a modern asset for overall public safety.
“However, to maintain regional alignment with county partners and address public feedback, Galva is stepping away from the system,” according to the news release. “The department appreciates the community’s support as officers continue to focus on direct patrols and collaborative interagemcy teamwork.”
In announcing his department’s stopping the use of the Flock system, Henry County Sheriff Josh Verschuere said the cameras have assisted in numerous investigations, helping identify vehicles connected to criminal activity and providing “a valuable investigative tool.”
The sheriff said the decision to remove the cameras was a response to “growing public debate over automatic license plate readers, data retention and the balance between public safety and personal privacy.”
While the Flock cameras “provided legitimate investigative value,” the sheriff wrote, “at the same time, we believe public trust and confidence in law enforcement are critical.”
The Kewanee Voice recently submitted Freedom of Information Act requests to law enforcement agencies throughout Henry and Stark counties seeking records, policies and logs related to their use of Flock cameras. The list included Galva Police Department, Geneseo Police Department, Kewanee Police Department and Henry County and Stark County Sheriff’s Departments.
