Woodburn City Council Suspends Use of Flock Safety Camera System

Following receipt of extensive public comment at last night's City Council meeting and later discussion and deliberation by the Council, the City will immediately suspend its use of the Flock Safety Camera System for at least 60 days. 

Woodburn's Mayor Frank Lonergan said, "The City of Woodburn is committed to keeping our community safe while respecting the concerns of our community members. Based on community input, pausing the Flock camera system is a prudent step." 

While system parameters have been established to only allow access by the Woodburn Police Department and other Oregon law enforcement agencies, the City Council recognizes community concerns have been raised about the security of the data generated by the system and whether it could be utilized by federal authorities. 

In response, the City of Woodburn has directed a moratorium on the use of the Flock camera systems while a comprehensive review is conducted. 

"Our goal is to ensure that the system is used responsibly, that the information collected remains secure, and that it is not accessible to any agency outside of Oregon," said Woodburn's City Manager Scott Derickson. 

Woodburn Police Chief Jason Millican said that in the short time that Woodburn has employed the use of the Flock Safety license plate reader system, it has been instrumental in solving violent crimes and vehicle theft cases, directly contributing to public safety.

The City of Woodburn, including the Woodburn Police Department, remains firmly committed to utilizing law enforcement tools in a manner that enhances public safety while safeguarding the civil liberties of every community member.