A recent public forum gave Excelsior Springs residents a closer look at local police use of Flock cameras while addressing questions about privacy, data sharing and safeguards surrounding the technology.

The forum included a live demonstration of the Excelsior Springs Police Department’s (ESPD) automated license plate reader (ALPR) system and discussion about data retention, outside-agency access, security and potential misuse.

The event came amid growing local discussion surrounding the cameras, including a petition calling on city council members to suspend their use and take steps to terminate the city’s contract with Flock Safety.

During the forum, ESPD Chief Greg Dull said his goal was not to change anyone’s perspective on the technology, but to provide information residents could use to form their own opinions.

Dull acknowledged concerns surrounding privacy and the government’s use of technology capable of tracking people’s movements, while emphasizing the department believes ALPRs h…