Milford police chief responds to image in Flock Safety promotional video

MILFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Milford Police Chief Keith Mello is responding after his image appeared in a promotional video for Flock Safety, the company that owns license plate readers used across the country.

The video promotes Flock’s 2026 annual conference. Mello said the footage is from a conference he and other members of the department attended last summer, and that no one from Milford police attended this year’s conference.

In a statement, Mello said he was unaware he was in the video until yesterday and did not agree to its use for that purpose.

“I did not agree to its use for that purpose. Appearing in a vendor’s video is not an endorsement. It does not change how this department writes policy, and what products or services we use,” Mello said.

In a more recent statement, Mello addressed the broader debate over the technology.

“We understand and accept that members of our community will criticize this technology, the company, and our decision to use it. That debate is legitimate and I’ve taken part in it publicly. I’d only ask that it proceed on accurate facts,” Mello said.

Channel 3 requested an interview with Mello. As of this report, there had been no response.

Community reaction to license plate readers

Milford paused its license plate reader program and removed several readers after community pushback, leaving only those near the city’s borders and by highways. The city is now conducting a review of its program.

Some residents said they are not supportive of the cameras.

“It’s insane, just too much, way too much,” Chris said. “I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Connie, another resident, said the cameras have become a concern beyond Milford.

“The word Flock is upsetting people all across the country. I have family in the Midwest, they’re upset. It’s a touchy thing, and I think we don’t know enough,” Connie said.

Some residents also said they found it notable that Mello objected to his appearance in the video.

“It seems like another thing. You never sign a thing, ‘I want my picture taken everywhere I drive.’ So, it’s the same thing with the police chief, I guess. It’s an invasion of privacy, basically,” Mark said.

Other residents in town want to keep the cameras. Kathy said she believes they help solve crimes.

“Sometimes, I think they’re extremely needed because they really do help solve crimes, and I really don’t think the police chief had anything behind the scenes. I really don’t,” Kathy said.

What’s next

New state regulations take effect Oct. 1, addressing how long license plate reader data can be stored and how the technology can be used.

In Milford, a citizen review committee will spend the next few months examining the city’s program, with a focus on privacy concerns and data retention.