Safford continues to discuss its Flock cameras, but no action

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

SAFFORD. – A whole lot of discussion and information, a lot of talk from community members against the presence of Flock cameras and those in favor, yet even after multiple hours of debate no action was taken on Safford’s Flock camera system.

Numerous residents spoke out against the Flock cameras, feeling that they are an invasion of their privacy. The controversial Flock system uses artificial intelligence to photograph vehicles and catalog unique identifying characteristics, such as license plates, vehicle make, color, and even minor physical damage. The controversial Flock system uses artificial intelligence to photograph vehicles and catalog unique identifying characteristics, such as license plates, vehicle make, color, and even minor physical damage.

A handful of speakers also spoke in favor of the cameras for their usefulness in protecting the community. Those included former Safford City Council Member Ed Ragland and Graham County Sheriff P.J. Allred and Graham County Attorney L. Scott Bennett. During his time, Ragland pointed out that Thatcher, Graham County, and Pima all utilize Flock cameras as well and that more information is gained from people by visiting Walmart than through the Flock system.

Sheriff Allred spoke in favor of the cameras and said while we live in the greatest community around the tools that law enforcement uses, including the Flock cameras, have been essential to helping keep the community safe.

”This particular tool has helped us with some very serious crimes,” Allred said. He added that he believes most people would want to know if a murderer was coming into town.

Graham County Attorney L. Scott Bennett spoke passionately and praised the speakers for their thoughts on the matter.

“I have been inspired,” Bennett said. This is Democracy in action.”

However, Bennett informed the populace of the safeguards of the Flock system and said as the top law enforcement official, even he cannot access the system on his own. Conversely, he begged the council to allow law enforcement to continue to use the Flock system to help keep the children safe. Bennett spoke about prosecuting cases involving child trafficking and other such heinous crimes against children. As a father of five, Bennett said protecting children is one of his highest priorities.

“I have looked pure evil in the eye and I can attest to you that there are people in this world that would hurt our children,” Bennett said. “But when you tell me that we have a way to better protect my kids and your kids, don’t give it up.”

Later in the meeting during the council discussion of the item, Safford Police Chief Brian Avila informed the council of the program and said no personal information is taken and that an automatic date/time stamp is created by any officer accessing the system. He added that law enforcement has to have a law enforcement reason to access it. Avila added that all information that isn’t used is erased after 30 days and is not saved on any outside database. Additionally, Captain Tyler Cluff said while there are different types of cameras, none of them do facial recognition and are utilized to read license plates. Cluff added that with limited resources, the Flock system as a force multiplier has been beneficial in helping police the area.

“With these cameras in place, they’ve really been an asset and an assistant and really served our citizens well.”

Safford’s City Attorney, Bill Simms, said while there was some language in the agreement with Flock that could be tightened up, he thought it was a good deal.

Council member Dusti Brantner said that the main problem is a lack of transparency and that she wasn’t comfortable with being able to be tracked. Additionally, the system had been brought in by the previous city manager, who declined to involve the council with its implementation.

Chief Avila said the cameras are placed at major thoroughfares and are not looking at schools. He said if the police need video footage of the schools they can simply request it from the schools, which have their own cameras. He added that his department audits its use of the system and any misuse would result in immediate consequences, including termination.

Vice Mayor Arnold Lopez, now in lame duck status after just missing re-election, was a bulldog and peppered law enforcement with questions about where and why the cameras are placed and questioned areas that don’t have any cameras if it is indeed for safety. Chief Avila replied that the cameras are strategically placed in high-traffic areas.

Following all of the open discussion, the council took a recess then met in executive session. Upon reconvening, the council made no more comment on the issue and made no action.

In other council news:

The council unanimously approved the transfer of the liquor license for Ginaveve’s Market Place & Main Street Bean, which has been purchased by Cade and Lacey Bryce.