WPD won't replace stolen Flock cameras, citing public trust
The Winona Police Department has decided not to replace eight surveillance cameras that were recently stolen by vandals. City officials cited a desire to maintain public trust, noting significant community backlash against the use of automated license plate readers.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing national tension between law enforcement's use of surveillance technology and community concerns regarding privacy and government overreach.
A Winona Police Department Flock camera records vehicles leaving town on Highway 61 just past Bundy Boulevard.
Following a public outcry over the use of the surveillance, the city of Winona announced on Wednesday that it will not replace its stolen Flock cameras, saying that although the cameras helped solve crimes and prevent harm, the community’s trust in police was more important. The Winona Police Department (WPD) used these automated license plate reader cameras to monitor all of the highways leading in and out of Winona for stolen vehicles, drivers with revoked licenses, and missing persons. On August 3, the WPD discovered that a vandal or vandals had cut off all eight of the city’s Flock cameras.
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