City of Cleveland seeks to replace Flock cameras with Axon license plate readers

The City of Cleveland is poised to replace its current license plate reader system, Flock Safety, with a new Axon Enterprises solution. Mayor Justin Bibb's administration has proposed this change, signaling a shift in the city's approach to law enforcement technology. This move comes after extensive community and commission concerns over Flock's data ownership and privacy practices.

The Shift Away From Flock: Background and Context

The decision to move away from Flock Safety isn’t a sudden one. It represents the culmination of months of scrutiny and debate within Cleveland’s government and community. Flock cameras, initially touted as a crime-fighting tool, have drawn criticism for their potential to infringe upon residents’ privacy and disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The initial deployment of Flock cameras sparked concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding their use, data storage practices, and potential for misuse. These concerns led to increased pressure on the city to re-evaluate its relationship with Flock and explore alternative solutions.

Flock’s presence in Cleveland has been particularly contentious in historically over-policed neighborhoods. Residents have expressed fears that the technology could exacerbate existing biases within the criminal justice system, leading to increased surveillance and unwarranted stops. The proposed switch to Axon is being viewed by some as an opportunity to address these concerns and implement a more responsible approach to surveillance technology.

What Happened

On October 22, the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls (CBWG) and the Cleveland Community Police Commission (CPC) convened to discuss the implications of this transition. The meeting, which was part of a broader effort to address community concerns, highlighted the complexities and challenges associated with automated license plate readers (ALPRs).

Mayor Bibb's administration has proposed a one-year contract with Axon Enterprises, citing the company's commitment to providing tools and accountability measures that protect residents' civil liberties while supporting public safety. However, this change is not without its critics. Flock No Cleveland, an opposition group, argues that switching vendors will not fundamentally resolve the issues surrounding ALPRs. The group's spokesperson, Bryn Adams, contends that Axon is merely a rebranded version of Flock with enhanced public relations and stronger federal ties.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns

The reaction from the community has been mixed. At the meeting, Commission Member Taneisha Fair questioned the effectiveness of ALPRs in solving crimes, while Stephanie Howse-Jones conducted a non-scientific poll within her ward. About 35% of respondents expressed a desire for Flock to remain in their neighborhoods. This highlights the nuanced perspectives within the community – some residents feel safer with the technology, while others prioritize privacy and civil liberties. The significant number who support retaining Flock underscores the need for continued dialogue and education about the potential impacts of ALPRs.

The CBWG, in particular, has been vocal about its concerns. The commission, established to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Black women and girls in Cleveland, has repeatedly called for greater transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technology. The fact that the CBWG is actively engaged in this debate demonstrates the importance of community input in shaping law enforcement policies.

Privacy and Civil Liberty Concerns

During the meeting, Brian Ray, director of the Center for Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection at the Cleveland State University College of Law, emphasized the ongoing privacy and civil liberty concerns associated with ALPRs. He highlighted that while Flock does not currently use facial recognition, the capability exists. Ray also noted that law enforcement maintains hot lists of cars used in crimes and can conduct random scans to check for past incidents.

Ray’s experience with ALPRs dates back to a 2016 conference in Seattle and Oakland, cities that pioneered the evaluation of privacy concerns surrounding this technology. He stressed that simply removing Flock won’t solve the underlying issue – another technology will likely take its place unless robust policies and controls are established. These controls must prioritize transparency, accountability, and limitations on how the data is used.

The comparison to “ShotSpotter,” another surveillance technology deployed in Cleveland, is particularly relevant. Both technologies raise similar concerns about potential for over-policing and the erosion of privacy. The debate surrounding ALPRs is part of a larger conversation about the appropriate role of technology in law enforcement and the need to balance public safety with individual rights.

Axon: A Closer Look at the New Vendor

While Axon presents itself as a more privacy-conscious alternative to Flock, it’s crucial to examine its practices and technologies more closely. Axon's portfolio extends beyond license plate readers to include body-worn cameras, FUSUS (a real-time crime center platform), and Gravity (a cloud-based data storage and analysis system). The combination of these technologies within a single vendor raises concerns about the potential for data aggregation and the creation of a comprehensive surveillance network.

FUSUS, in particular, has drawn criticism for its ability to integrate data from various sources, including private security cameras, creating a “digital panopticon” where law enforcement has access to an unprecedented amount of information about residents’ activities. Gravity, as a centralized data storage system, further amplifies these concerns by consolidating data from multiple surveillance technologies in one location.

What's Next: City Council Approval and Community Engagement

The proposed one-year contract with Axon is subject to City Council approval. The CPC and CBWG will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for stricter policies and accountability measures. Additional community meetings are planned for the East Side to gather more input from residents. These meetings are vital for ensuring that the voices of all Clevelanders are heard in this important decision-making process.

Mayor Bibb's administration has promised to conduct a cost/benefit study as part of the policy and accountability document. However, critics argue that this will not address the core concerns surrounding the use of ALPRs. A truly comprehensive assessment would need to consider the potential impacts on civil liberties, racial equity, and community trust.

Legal and Legislative Landscape

The debate surrounding ALPRs is not limited to Cleveland. Several states are considering legislation to regulate the use of this technology. The potential for state-level legislation to impose stricter controls on ALPR data collection and usage is a significant factor in the ongoing discussion. Ray’s comments about the need for expedited surveillance warrants highlight a potential legal hurdle – without such warrants, the real-time utility of ALPRs may be severely limited.

Lila's Take

The decision to switch from Flock to Axon is a significant one for Cleveland residents. While the administration emphasizes the need for accountability and protection of civil liberties, the community remains divided. The fact that Flock No Cleveland is skeptical of Axon's intentions underscores the ongoing tension between law enforcement and community members who are concerned about privacy.

It's important for the city to engage in transparent dialogue with residents and ensure that any new technology is deployed in a manner that respects individual rights and fosters trust. As we move forward, it's crucial to maintain a balance between public safety and the preservation of civil liberties. Residents should stay informed and participate in community meetings to voice their concerns and shape the future of law enforcement technology in Cleveland.