ROBINSON, Texas (KXXV) — The Robinson City Council voted against renewing its contract with Flock, ending the city's use of the company's license plate reader cameras following public pushback over privacy concerns.
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Community members took to the podium during the meeting, urging the council to end the contract.
"At some point we've got to respect the privacy of a law-abiding citizen. Government surveillance has to have limits," one concerned neighbor said.
Council members acknowledged that Flock cameras aid in solving crime and defended the police department's use of the technology.
"We are responsible for providing them the tools that they need to get the job done, to protect you. All of you out there," Councilman Jim Mastergeorge said.
One councilman shared results from his own survey of more than 200 residents, saying the vast majority don't mind the cameras and that he received some positive feedback.
"I had 3 people who had actual experiences of how these helped them," Councilman Donnie Finn said.
Despite those findings, the council voted against renewing the contract.
"It is a very useful tool, you have to admit that, for law enforcement. But freedom is hard, and it costs you things, and it's gonna cost us a little bit of safety to have the freedom of not having these things tracking our every movement. And so, for me, I vote for freedom," Tim Holtkamp said.
The council also noted that funding for the cameras had been pulled due to Governor Abbott's funding freeze. Council members said they hope there will come a point where this type of technology can exist without invading privacy.
For some residents, the vote raises new concerns about what comes next. Amanda Murphy, who has lived in Robinson for 11 years, said she is relieved by the outcome but remains cautious.
"I'm very glad about the vote, I'm glad they decided to remove the cameras. But I'm also worried for the future, because there's things coming now… different kind of cameras, that are less visible, and so I think it's dangerous that they left the door open," Murphy said.
Council members said they appreciate the community's turnout and passion, and hope the discussion around license plate readers is not over yet.
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