The Eugene City Council voted 8-0 to pass a motion recommending the City Manager Sarah Medary to pause all Flock Safety camera activity at a council meeting on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Police Chief Chris Skinner gave a presentation to the council on EPD’s contract with Flock Safety, a security company, and the department’s use of information gained from the Automated License Plate Readers. The presentation reiterated that the cameras only capture rear license plates and do not have a facial recognition system.
Skinner also highlighted language in EPD’s contract with Flock Safety that was revised due to being too vague or general. The amended contract specifies that data can only be disclosed to government authorities if a court issues a subpoena, warrant, or court order.
EPD installed the cameras in May with funds from an over $300,000 Organized Retail Grant originally received in July 2024.
Councilors had the opportunity to share their concerns and questions about the cameras, which ranged from worries of data protection to fear of federal usage.
“We can’t ignore the extraordinary times we find ourselves in,” Councilor Eliza Kashinsky, who represents Ward 1, said. “Unlike our local law enforcement, I do not believe they are trying to keep our community safe. I believe there are significant risks with this data, and in other hands would be used not to help and protect our community, but to try and cause harm.”
Councilor Kashinsky made a motion to turn off the cameras effective immediately, while Councilor Greg Evans, representative of Ward 6, motioned to pause the usage of the cameras until the council holds a later discussion regarding policies surrounding data storage.
The council voted unanimously to pass Councilor Evans’ motion, officially recommending to City Manager Sarah Medary to pause camera activity until another council discussion is held.
According to Skinner’s presentation, there have been 59 arrests made possible by the cameras.
Flock cameras have been the subject of public scrutiny even prior to their installation in May, with many citizens and community groups in Eugene criticizing the use of these cameras.
