AUSTIN (KXAN) — By a vote of 3-2, the Hays County Commissioner’s Court voted to terminate all existing contracts with Flock Safety.
Before the vote, people spoke out both in favor and against the company for the use of the cameras. Many critics against the cameras stated privacy concerns and how the company handled data collection.
However, supporters believed the technology can be helpful for local law enforcement. They said the technology can help police by adding speed and accuracy when it comes to solving serious crimes, like murders.
Before the final vote was held, court members also had a chance to speak for or against the contract. Commissioner Michelle Cohen, who voted yes to kill the Flock Safety contract, said in the future she would like to have a formal solicitation of this technology.
She said she wants to, “see what else is out there,” and also find “a middle ground and address all the issues we feel comfortable with,” when it comes to services that use this technology.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra also spoke before the final vote. He said despite Hays County being pro-police, there were still concerns about the technology. “Because here we all are, pro-police. And yet, you can feel the tone in the room that this tool, of the millions of tools that are available that we support… our community is not happy with.”
This latest vote follows a trend of previous ones voting to terminate or cancel contracts in Central Texas. Earlier this year, San Marcos voted against the camera expansion back in June.
However, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office said it used Flock camera technology earlier this month to help apprehend a suspect who was wanted in connection with a child abuse case in the county.
Austin also canceled its pilot program with the company, and most recently, Lockhart voted against a rollout of the cameras last week.
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