Saint Paul to Remove Two City-Owned Flock Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns
SAINT PAUL: The City of Saint Paul will remove its two city-owned Flock cameras as officials continue to evaluate privacy concerns surrounding the technology and access to collected data.
In a statement, the Mayor’s Office and Saint Paul Police Department said they have had numerous conversations about Flock over the past several months and understand and share concerns raised by community members.
Among those concerns is access to Flock data by other jurisdictions during Operation Metro Surge. City officials did not say that issue alone prompted the decision to remove the cameras.
The city said it brought law enforcement partners from across Ramsey County together last week to discuss how agencies can better protect residents.
Saint Paul officials are also encouraging the Minnesota Legislature to establish a statewide standard for the technology that balances privacy protections with public safety needs.
In the meantime, the city's two Flock cameras will be removed.
The city said it remains committed to protecting residents' data, being transparent about how the technology is used and maintaining public trust as officials explore modern tools that could assist with public safety.