Coralville residents are standing up for privacy as the city eyes a new camera system.
The scuffle originated from the Coralville Police Department’s interest in Flock cameras, which are used to aid in criminal investigations. Flock cameras work as automatic license plate readers and store data for up to 30 days.
At least 10 residents addressed the Coralville City Council during their regular meeting on July 8.
The Coralville City Council has budgeted $19,000 for Flock cameras in Fiscal 2026. A website, StopFlocking.us, has been established in opposition to the council’s interest in the technology.
How do Flock cameras work?
License plate reader cameras are one of several products offered by Flock, a technology-centric security hardware and software company that manufactures public safety products. They distribute gunshot detection systems, video surveillance camera technology, and even first responder drones.
The cameras, Flock says on their website, allow law enforcement to “act in real time, not after the fact.” Stationary cameras are solar-powered and are used by more than 5,000 agencies in over 6,000 communities, according to the company.
Flock’s license plate reader technology scans “billions” of license plates each month, according to its website, creating “a shared network built to stop crime.”
The cameras also enable operators to conduct a general search when attempting to locate a vehicle.
Residents concerned over possible misuse, ‘targeting’ citizens
Many of the public commenters during the July 8 meeting understood the “noble goals” and “intentions” of Flock cameras, which are often used to assist kidnapping investigations and help apprehend fleeing criminals.
Some residents were concerned that the cameras could be abused by law enforcement. They were worried about officers possibly tracking residents who may go out of state for abortions or gender-affirming care. Some speakers accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of accessing the cameras.
“We have seen countless examples of how this technology is misused by law enforcement, including here in Johnson County,” Emma Denney said.
What the technology is actually used to do is to target dissidents,” Denney said, accusing the University of Iowa Police Department of using Flock cameras to arrest several transgender residents during a 2023 protest.
Mike Roberts handed the Coralville City Council a petition with 100 signatures, asking the city to consider an alternative route.
“The concerns that I have with these cameras are that they are not an effective way of reducing crime,” Roberts said. “They are a major risk to safety and security — a database of the movements of every member of the community.”
Roberts said Flock cameras are prone to errors, referencing a case from Aurora, Colorado, which the city settled for $1.9 million, according to The New York Times.
Flock cameras are in use in Johnson County
Flock cameras are already in use throughout Johnson County. The Coral Ridge Mall, Lowe’s and the City of North Liberty each use automatic license plate readers and “their entire system is accessible,” Coralville Police Chief Kyle Nicholson said at a June 24 work session.
Coralville Det. Drew Montz said he has used Flock camera data from other departments to solve cases.
Flock Public Affairs Director Trevor Chandler also addressed the council, noting that the cameras help solve 2,200 cases each week. More than 50 law enforcement agencies in the state currently use Flock camera systems, according to council notes.
An article on Flock’s website profiled the University of Iowa’s use of the cameras. The story detailed how university leaders have used the cameras’ license plate reader technology to solve crimes.
University of Iowa Assistant Vice President for Campus Safety Mark Bullock is quoted saying the cameras are “a worthwhile investment.” He said they are both “a resource to the campus” and “a resource to our local law enforcement community.”
What comes next?
The Coralville City Council did not discuss Flock cameras any further after public comment.
The cameras were not listed on the council’s agenda for July 8, but several council members and the mayor expressed gratitude to the community members who attended and voiced their concerns.
Nicholson told the council that the cameras would be placed in high-traffic areas near the highway, including along Highway 6 near I-80 and near First Avenue and I-80, according to work session notes.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Coralville’s interest in license plate reading cameras provokes public outcry. What to know
Reporting by Ryan Hansen, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
