El Paso County Sheriff’s Office discontinues use of Flock Safety cameras

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) announced it will discontinue its use of Flock Safety cameras, effective immediately.

According to EPSO, Flock will be sent a notice of non-renewal, and officials are asking Flock to retreive its equipment. EPSO Sheriff Joseph Roybal released a statement that reads:

“Our responsibility is to protect our community, foster public trust, and serve the people. After careful consideration, I believe discontinuing our use of Flock cameras is the right decision for El Paso County and our citizens.

We have the tools, training, and experience to locate and apprehend criminals without relying on Flock cameras. Our commitment to public safety remains stronger than ever.”

Flock Safety cameras, and Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) at large, have become a controversial topic in recent years. A poll by the National Policing Institute shows that over 54% of adults oppose the use of the technology. 34% support it.

Last month, three flock cameras in El Paso County were cut down. EPSO said at the time they were being investigated.

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The city of Salida ended its use of flock cameras this year after residents voiced concerns over the equipment.

RELATED COVERAGE: Salida police cancel Flock Safety contract following resident concerns

An anti-Flock protest was held outside of Pueblo City Hall last month as part of a national week of action against ALPR cameras.

RELATED COVERAGE: Pueblo community gathers for rally against Automatic License Plate Readers, Flock cameras

According to the organization "Deflock" 153 communities nationwide have ended their contracts with flock…

Critics of ALPRs argue that the technology violates rights citizens have under the 4th Amendment. They also cite information that says the technology has wrongfully identified people in criminal investigations.

But supporters of the technology argue it helps to locate and arrest dangerous criminals. EPSO's website lists several examples of how Flock Safety cameras helped them apprehend suspects. One example EPSO has pointed to was the apprehension of Johnny Rankin Morris and Hailey Cole, who were each charged with first- and second-degree homicide.

It's important to note not all ALPR cameras are Flock Safety cameras; several different brands are in use nationwide. The Colorado Springs Police Department says they use a company called Axon.

KRDO13 asked EPSO if it is ending its use of all ALPR technology or just its association with Flock Safety, and EPSO says they are not providing any further comments at this time.

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