Police Make Major Policy Decision On Flock Cameras In East Lyme

EAST LYME, CT — The East Lyme Police Department has announced that it will pause the use of Flock license plate reader technology.

The news comes as police departments across the state are reevaluating the use of such cameras due to privacy concerns and public opposition.

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East Lyme Police Chief Kevin Glenn made the following announcement:

After careful consideration and listening to the concerns and questions raised by members of our community, I have made the decision to pause the use of Flock license plate reader technology in East Lyme, effective immediately.

This decision was not made lightly. As Chief of Police, I have a responsibility to carefully evaluate both the benefits and the concerns associated with any technology used by our department. In recent weeks, I have spent considerable time reviewing what Flock has communicated publicly, comparing that information with what is being communicated directly to law enforcement agencies, and evaluating the potential risks and benefits of continuing the program.

At this time, I believe it is appropriate to take a step back.

We will continue to monitor the ongoing Senate hearings regarding Flock technology, review the model policy being developed by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC), and carefully consider guidance and any legislative action from Connecticut lawmakers in the coming months.

For now, East Lyme Police will not be using Flock technology to scan license plates.

Following this weekend's storm, we will cover the Flock cameras at all three of our locations to ensure that license plates are not being scanned while the system is paused.

This is about taking the time to listen, evaluate, and make sure that any technology used by the East Lyme Police Department is consistent with our responsibility to protect public safety while also respecting the privacy and concerns of the community we serve.

I appreciate the residents who have taken the time to share their perspectives with me, whether they support the technology or have concerns about its use. Those conversations are important, and they are part of how we make responsible decisions for East Lyme.

We will continue to keep our community informed as we learn more and as the state establishes clearer guidance regarding the future use of this technology.

Read more: Here's How To Know If You've Been 'Flocked' In CT

Milford Police Chief Issues Statement On Flock Cameras