~ Jon James
So, are there Flock cameras placed here and there throughout Bangor to read license plates and, potentially, take a picture of you picking your nose while driving that you can have framed at some point?
According to the city, the answer is “NO!” Some, however, aren’t buying it.
Bangor officials say the city does not operate automatic license plate readers, despite a growing number of complaints about the technology.
Though people typically refer to all of these devices as “Flock” cameras, they are not all made by the company. Just as all photocopiers are not made by Xerox.
City Manager Carollynn Lear said Monday that the city has received several complaints, including five since April. The concerns appear to be fueled in part by DeFlock, an online database that lists nine alleged license plate readers in Bangor. However, a Bangor Daily News reporter checked the listed locations and found no such cameras. At least two appear to be private security cameras.
Most of Bangor’s roadside cameras are operated by Miovision and are used to manage traffic signals. Lear said they do not record video or store images.
Automatic license plate readers can capture vehicle plates and alert police when a vehicle linked to an investigation passes by. The technology has faced growing criticism over privacy and civil rights concerns.
Bangor officials are considering a policy directing the city not to purchase or use the technology. The move comes as other Maine communities, including South Portland and Auburn, face similar debates over license plate readers.
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