"Flock cameras" in Denmark

Recently, observant readers may have noticed a small, but significant, addition to the Village of Denmark. Last week, two "Flock cameras" were installed at strategic locations within the village with the intent of helping law enforcement better protect the community.

"Flock cameras" refer to state-of-the-art surveillance equipment offered by Atlanta-based Flock Safety who specialize in "Automated License Plate Recognition" (ALPR) to help law enforcement identify both stolen vehicles and persons of interest. Unlike similar ALPR systems, Flock cameras allow officers to search its database based on a vehicle's color and other visual features. The company also says their solar-powered cameras require little infrastructure and carry less upfront costs for municipalities. Currently, Flock Safety services over 4,000 cities in 42 states across the country.

The subject of placing Flock cameras in Denmark was first officially raised during last October's meeting of the Village Board. During her monthly report, Village President Susan Selner introduced the idea to the board with DEOs Rusk and Pigeon agreeing they would be a useful addition to the village. Board members agreed with their assessment noting with additions to the village, including new apartments and the hotel, additional security measures were called for. By the time of the next board meeting, the cameras had been approved with two units ordered for installation this spring. With the unseasonably warm weather, the village was able to install the cameras ahead of schedule with one being placed along County Highway R near the intersection of De Pere Road and the other on Highway 96 near the I-43 exits.

Of course, while the new Flock cameras do allow for better police enforcement, they also come with significant downsides. The main drawback is the high cost associated with operating the cameras. Unlike other automated license plate readers, Flock cameras are not owned by the municipalities they serve. Instead, units are leased from Flock safety at an estimated cost of $2,500 to $3,000 per camera, per year. Another significant issue that has plagued Flock Safety is privacy concerns. Since their inception, the company has faced criticism from a number of organizations, including the ACLU, for the perceived invasion of privacy as well as the cataloging of their data. Others still have cited concerns with the camera's efficiency believing they have led to wrongful convictions and seizures.

The new Flock cameras in the Village of Denmark are a prime example of the intersection of local policing, modern technology and the ongoing debate over privacy in the internet age. While some may have valid concerns about the new cameras, others may find peace of mind with the knowledge our police officers have better tools to keep us safe.