Following concerns from Newman residents about the Flock Safety automated license plate readers (ALPR) cameras throughout the city, Newman Police Chief Raymond Framstad addressed the Newman Police Department’s use of the camera through a PowerPoint Presentation during a city council meeting last Tuesday.
The matter comes at a time of nationwide bipartisan backlash of public surveillance and misuse from law enforcement agencies, leading to some cities terminating its contract with the company.
In a 23-minute presentation, Framstad shared information, including how the department uses the cameras, compiled data, instances where it helped investigations and how residents can access a transparency portal. He said he has heard concerns about privacy and Fourth Amendment rights, and understands it’s a “hot topic” across the country.
“Technology and innovation is something that we use as a tool in law enforcement, not to replace our investigative means,” Framstad said. “Our community expects us to protect the residents from crime while also respecting their constitutional rights.”
Framstad said only sworn police officers have access to the ALPR system and all system activity is logged and audited. He added that he plans on doing that every 30 days.
Any misuse of the system will lead to an investigation and termination, Framstad said. “It is a crime, it’s protected data,” he said.
There are currently eight Flock cameras in Newman, five of which are located near state Route 33. Since 2023, Newman PD has paid an annual average of $25,600 to renew its contract with the company, according to the presentation.
Since adding the cameras, the department has been eight investigations, with three concluding this year. Currently, the department is using it to investigate an ongoing felony firearms case, Framstad said.
According to Flock’s website, the cameras are designed for outdoor use to capture license plates and vehicle details, which could be used to help law enforcement find vehicles tied to an investigation.
Residents can access Newman PD’s transparency portal where they can see data on retention and searches, how many law enforcement agencies are given the department’s data and top offense search through the ALPR.
Two residents voiced their concerns about the use of the cameras and its database.
Newman resident Paul Rey said he believes that the company can’t be trusted. He added that he supports the city and its police force, but has concerns about his privacy.
“I am worried about this and our rights,” Rey said. “And it’s an invasion of privacy; it’s getting negative press all over the United States. I just wanted to make sure that everybody on the council is aware of that.”
Another Newman resident, Rebecca Tachiera asked Framstad about whether the department’s database is secure. Framstad, in response, said the company gave him a list of programs that it uses.
He added that it’s the same programs that are used from agencies such as the FBI.
Tachiera also asked Framstad if the department has plans on upgrading its database. Framstad, in response, said Newman PD has no plans on upgrading and that the decision was up to city council.
