The city of Inkster, Michigan, has announced a 10-year plan to expand its Flock safety network, which will include the addition of more surveillance cameras, gunshot detection devices, and a police drone. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety in the community.
According to Flock, the city’s commitment involves installing 20 license plate readers, five video security cameras, 48 gunshot detection devices, and one drone. This follows the initial implementation of six license plate readers in 2023, most of which have already been set up.
Mayor Byron Nolen highlighted the importance of this technology, stating, “This technology is another step forward for our city. It’s being proactive, preventing crime before it happens, responding faster when emergencies occur, and building a community that’s united around safety and progress.”
The drone is expected to begin operations between mid-November and early December. Local law enforcement reports that the Flock technology has already proven beneficial, citing a recent shooting incident. Sgt. Montreal Clary remarked, “However, without Flock, we would not have been able to locate the suspect so soon. We also would not have been able to locate the suspect while we responded to other calls in the city as well.”
The expansion of the Flock network has raised concerns regarding privacy. Inkster officials stated that officers can only search Flock data when an active investigation is underway, supported by a case number. Routine data is deleted after 30 days unless preserved as evidence.
In response to concerns about potential misuse of the system, Flock’s spokesperson, Courtney Terlecki, explained that the platform is designed to flag potential abuses for administrative review. The company plans to implement a proactive lockout feature that would temporarily restrict access if misuse is suspected until it can be investigated.
Police Chief Tamika Jenkins emphasized the seriousness of misuse, noting that any employee found abusing the system would face termination. Additionally, Inkster’s transparency portal, aimed at providing insight into policies, usage, and data-sharing practices, is set to launch on November 1.
