Milford aldermen to consider oversight of police surveillance technology

MILFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - The Milford Board of Aldermen are expected to consider a resolution on Thursday night that would add oversight for several types of police technology, including license plate readers, speed cameras and drones.

The debate over Flock cameras in Milford has moved beyond the cameras themselves. Some residents want more say in what technology the police department can use and how much taxpayers pay for it.

Thursday’s meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Residents are expected to weigh in during public comment, and then the board will consider the proposal.

What the resolution would require

The proposed resolution would require new surveillance technology, or the expansion of existing technology, to go before the Board of Aldermen for approval. Residents would have an opportunity to weigh in before the board approves it.

This resolution also would require the police chief to tell the board what technology the city currently uses, including the vendors and annual costs. If the proposal passes, that information would have to be provided within 90 days.

The proposal says there is confusion over how Flock cameras, drones and speed cameras are funded.

Residents cite transparency

Residents say the issue is one of transparency. Currently, there is no public list of the surveillance technology used in Milford or how much it costs.

Review committee

The proposal comes one month after the Board of Aldermen voted to pause some of the city’s Flock cameras and send all police surveillance technology to a review committee. The new proposal also asks the review committee to discuss sharing data with outside agencies.

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