Flock Safety license plate readers were damaged in the city Thursday, according to Mayor Carmella Mantello, who posted about it on social media.
According to the mayor’s spokesperson Alex Horton, three cameras were taken down. He said a news conference on the matter may be held Friday. The damaged devices were found on Hoosick Street, Oakwood Avenue and Northern Drive.
Flock Safety cameras, which record vehicle data that can be stored, have been a point of contention among many Troy residents and advocates, who have raised questions about mass surveillance over their use.
It comes as a debate between Mantello and the city council unfolds over the responsible use of data collected by the cameras. On Thursday, the council took steps to limit Mantello’s emergency powers after she issued an emergency declaration in April to keep the city’s contract with Flock Safety funded.
Mantello, who has been a vocal supporter of the cameras, called the act “violent and unhinged” in her social media post.
“We will not tolerate this violence,” Mantello wrote.
City Council President Susan Steele is concerned about whether it was vandalism of any kind. She said she encourages people to express their concerns through words rather than violent actions.
“I cannot condone it,” Steele said in a Friday interview.
Police Chief Daniel DeWolf and Mantello, in a joint statement, said the Troy Police Department will investigate who cut down the cameras.
Source: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/three-flock-safety-cameras-damaged-troy-22358846.php