Windsor Keeps Flock Cameras Off In CT First

WINDSOR, CT — Windsor’s automated license plate reader cameras will remain off after a divided Town Council vote against bringing the system back.

The council voted 5-4 on July 6 against reactivating the Police Department’s automated license plate reader cameras, renewing the town’s annual contract with Flock Safety and approving an amended local policy for the system.

The vote came months after the council voted in February to shut off the town’s Flock cameras while officials reviewed the contract, privacy rules and how license plate data could be accessed or shared.

Windsor’s system included 16 fixed license plate reader cameras placed on public rights-of-way near major intersections, roads leading in and out of town and other high-traffic areas, according to information posted by the town.

The cameras capture license plate numbers and related data, including the time, date and location of passing vehicles, according to the town. Windsor officials have said the cameras are not red-light cameras, are not used for speed enforcement and do not capture photos or information about vehicle occupants.

Supporters have argued the cameras give police an important tool to investigate crimes, recover stolen vehicles, locate missing people and develop leads after serious incidents.

Opponents have raised concerns about surveillance, data storage and whether information collected in Windsor could be accessed or used outside the town’s control.

Those concerns were aired during earlier council and committee meetings this year, when residents questioned how long data is retained, who can search it and whether local safeguards are enough to prevent misuse.

During a February Health and Safety Committee meeting, Police Chief Donald Melanson said the department had limited access to Connecticut law enforcement agencies, implemented monthly audits and strengthened search requirements, according to meeting minutes.

Melanson also described the system as an investigative tool that had helped with stolen vehicle cases, hit-and-run crashes, violent suspects and missing persons investigations, according to the minutes.

But the council’s latest vote means the cameras will stay off, at least for now.

The issue may not be closed permanently. Some town officials have suggested they could be open to license plate reader technology again if the town finds a contract or vendor arrangement that better addresses local concerns over data access, transparency and control.

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