The Genesee County Board of Commissioners, as part of the Governmental Operations Committee of Genesee County, has voted for continued funding for the use of flock cameras. This decision comes amid public outcry in the form of demonstrations and public comments at previous meetings, citing privacy concerns, overpolicing and risks of mass surveillance which have delayed the voting since January. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department says the cameras are useful in eliminating violent crime.
The Board of Commissioners of Genesee County met on March 11 as part of their monthly committee meetings on matters pertaining to government operations in Genesee County. The committee voted 6-1, with two members absent, on two resolutions. The first approved the receiving of a $30,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to pay for the contractual renewal of the current flock cameras that are operational in Genesee County, and the second included a $60,000 renewal of fully grant-funded cameras.
Genesee County Commissioner Beverly Brown, D-District 4, was the only commissioner to vote against both resolutions. Brown said, “I distrust systems, I trust individuals. I am concerned about creating and fostering systems that violate civil rights.”
Public comments were held before the official discussion of the resolutions, with a wide range of age groups from college-aged and older approaching the podium. Many said that they were concerned about mass surveillance and the potential for these cameras to violate people’s First and Fourth Amendment rights.
Rachel Switchel, a Flint resident, and others mentioned the possible use of the technology by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Surveillance doesn’t keep our communities safe, connection does,” Switchel said. “The benefits do not outweigh the risks here. This is not a tool that promotes safety, privacy or trust.”
Rosalin Salbenblatt, a Flushing resident who once supported the flock cameras, expressed concerns about the camera’s use.
“These cameras are infringing on our First Amendment right to privacy, and our Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure,” Salbenblatt said.
Jason Murphy, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department captain, said there were limitations on what the Sheriff’s Department can see within the surveillance system. Genesee County Commissioner Delrico J. Loyd, D-District 1, said the Sheriff’s office is only able to see still shots of the rear of vehicles using the Flock system.
In regard to concerns about the Sheriff’s Office collaborating with federal agencies, Murphy said, “Right now we only share our camera information with local, state of Michigan law enforcement agencies. We do not share it with anybody out of state, we do not share our information or our cameras with federal agencies.” However, in the case of extreme emergencies, Murphy said that the passing along of information to federal authorities like the FBI in order to assist with an ongoing investigation is possible.
Genesee County Commissioner Dale Weighill, D-District 8, offered an amendment to the resolutions on the agenda. This amendment would require a signed judicial warrant from a federal agency in order to receive information collected by the flock system in Genesee County. The amendment could also include a requirement to notify the board when such a request is made. However, the legality and details of this amendment will be discussed in a later meeting.
Weighil addressed concerns of county collaboration with ICE or other federal agencies, saying he has seen “heinous crimes” being solved with the Flock cameras and does want them installed, but with a possible amendment to the resolution continuing their use.
“We have the potential for federal agents, who might not have the constitution in mind… there is a potential for them to come and inquire with the sheriff’s office and ask for information that could harm people — who are innocent individuals — and violate their constitutional rights because constitutional rights don’t only apply to citizens, but also to people who are here, living here,” Weighill said.
On March 18, a meeting with the Genesee County Board of Commissioners is scheduled in the Genesee County Administration building in order to continue to discuss a possible amendment limiting the sharing of the data amidst other public matters.
