Flock Safety Responds to Security and Accountability Concerns
Flock Safety is changing how its nationwide license plate surveillance network handles Americans' data following growing criticism over privacy, security and law enforcement accountability.
The company says it will cut its recommended license plate data retention period from 30 days to seven days. Flock is also introducing new controls over data sharing between law enforcement agencies, stronger audit requirements and automatic lockouts when users exhibit potentially abnormal activity.
The changes raise important questions for taxpayers: How much are communities spending on surveillance technology? Who controls the data collected by these systems? And what safeguards should be required when government agencies use taxpayer-funded technology?
Flock says the changes are designed to strengthen privacy, security and accountability while maintaining the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate stolen vehicles, missing persons and violent crime.
The debate over police surveillance is likely to continue as communities weigh public safety against privacy, government accountability and the cost of increasingly sophisticated law enforcement technology.
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...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING... ...EXTREME HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 PM CDT MONDAY... * WHAT...For the Heat Advisory this afternoon, heat index values up to 109. For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 113 expected. * WHERE...All of Central Alabama. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 9 PM CDT this evening. For the Extreme Heat Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 9 PM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stoke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
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