Flock Camera

Flock cameras have become controversial because they raise fundamental questions. 

How can a city use technology to solve crime without creating a surveillance system that tracks every resident’s everyday movements? 

My personal thought is; why weren’t we “the residents” included in the decision for Flock cameras? Why weren’t we given “thorough information” and an opportunity for our vote? 

As a resident and homeowner here in Sherwood it’s my money too.

Every time I am asked during an interview how I feel about the flock cameras, I say the same thing, I understood it’s intended use, however, we the residents should’ve been included period. Look at the outcry against it. You can’t just ignore that. 

The issue isn’t simply whether cameras are good or bad, it’s about public safety, privacy, who controls the information, and how taxpayer money is spent.

I feel our police department is more than capable of solving crimes without the use of the flock cameras. Sherwood is one of the safest cities in Arkansas. We were that long before these and will be long after.

What I don’t like… 

1. They collect information on innocent drivers.

2. Information can be shared beyond our city.

3. Potential misuse.

4. Data retention and tracking.

5. Cost and accountability.

WHAT COULD SHERWOOD USE INSTEAD? 

Option A: Traditional security cameras

Place ordinary cameras at selected intersections, parks and public facilities.

Record video without automatically indexing every license plate.

Retrieve footage when investigating incidents.

Establish short retention periods and access controls.

Trade-off: Officers may need to review footage manually.

Option B: Police dash cameras and body cameras

Use recording equipment during patrols and police encounters.

These provide evidence of specific incidents rather than automatically creating a citywide record of passing vehicles.

Trade-off: They cannot continuously monitor unattended intersections.

Now there is an option to go with a different LPR company but we would still have the same concerns. 

When we evaluate what is best for Sherwood, we are only looking at the crime rate for Sherwood and so on. 

My opinion will not change. When we become more tight knit with our communities, we’ll be able to assist in crime solving as citizens. When we have more events and things that bring us together, we become familiar with whose kids belong to who, whose grandmother/grandfather is wandering the streets. Whose pet that is walking down Maryland. 

A lot of our retirees can tell you what vehicles are coming in and out of their neighborhoods and if they’re suspicious. Therefore, no flock cameras are needed.