Updated
Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 10
Westland Police Drops 10 Flock Cameras as Split Council Blocks Renewal
Updated
Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 10

Westland Police Drops 10 Flock Cameras as Split Council Blocks Renewal

3 articles · Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 10

Summary

  • July 31 will end Westland’s two-year contract for 10 Flock Safety license-plate reader cameras after police said they will not send a renewal to the divided City Council.
  • July 9 statements from the department and Councilwoman Melissa Sampey tied the move to months of resident objections over privacy, government surveillance, transparency, oversight and data storage.
  • Westland police said leaders recently met council members to show how the system works and explain department policies, but concluded the chamber was “deeply split” on whether to continue it.
  • A 6-0 council vote approved the cameras in July 2024; their removal highlights how public pressure and privacy concerns have reshaped support for policing technology in Westland.

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