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Back in May, the North Branch City Council authorized the police to enter into a contract for Flock brand automatic license plate readers (ALPR) to be used in the city limits. The vote then was 3-2. Council okayed seven devices, three of which were installed but had  not been activated, as public pushback gained momentum.   Council has since taken a second look at the ALPR system and August 12 North Branch officially backed away from using the law enforcement tool.

Council consensus was unanimous to “pause” or “cancel” or whatever word staff wants to use,  for eliminating the agreement with the Flock company.  Council members Jim Ibinger and Patrick Meacham didn’t like the word pause, because they want to assure citizens there isn’t going to be any “bait and switch” allowing the city to connect with a different reader provider.  The city also needs to revisit the alleged civil rights concerns, like unlawful surveillance.  The city will monitor additional information as it becomes available and unanswered questions can be resolved.

Many rumors abound related to the readers. Opposing arguments are citing abuses of data collected by the devices and stalking and harassment incidents. A root concern expressed by civil liberties advocates is the perception ALPRs are “tracking” license plates without benefit of a warrant.  

Additionally citizens have complained about immigration authorities having access to private plate-related data — and the fact that images of the rear of the vehicle are photographed by the readers.  However, local agencies using Flock devices insist data access restrictions and oversight are enforced.  The cities of Wyoming, Chisago City and Lindstrom use automated license plate readers and the Chisago County sheriff has multiple devices installed along county rights-of-way.

The readers are connected to a database of plate numbers associated with criminal activity, or suspects sought for offenses, Amber Alerts and for vehicles reported as stolen.

North Branch City Administrator Matthew Hill cautioned council there may be a penalty or surcharge imposed to get out of the Flock contract, but he will work with the company.

Mayor Kevin Schieber applauded the citizens who appeared in council sessions to oppose the system, saying it “took a lot” to come in and interact in person.

While some who spoke at the microphone did not seem to understand the logistics, and have formed opinions from allegations made online and privacy infractions in other areas of the nation — the mayor said the city clearly needs to work on building trust when it comes to this law enforcement device.

Staff were directed to collect the three readers that have been physically installed.  Administrator Hill said he will follow-up but reminded council the equipment is only leased — and North Branch may have to wait for Flock to do actual removal. 

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