Flock Camera Presentation Delayed After Residents Wait to Address Roseburg Council

Residents who came to Monday’s Roseburg City Council meeting to discuss the city’s Flock license plate cameras had to wait until late in the evening to speak. By then, there was not enough time for the Police Department’s scheduled presentation and council discussion.

Council chose to hear from the residents who remained and bring the presentation back at a future meeting. No vote was taken on the cameras.

Several speakers asked the city to stop using the system. They voiced concerns about privacy, who can access the information collected, and the possibility of mistaken matches or misuse. Some were frustrated that the item had been placed near the end of the agenda.

Councilor Ellen Porter said the presentation deserved enough time for council to hear it and discuss it together. Other councilors agreed that residents who had waited should be able to speak Monday. Before the meeting ended, Mayor Larry Rich said the Flock item would return near the beginning of the department items.

Roseburg has 15 stationary Flock cameras, according to the council agenda packet. The city authorized the system in 2023 and renewed its contract earlier this year for a term ending Feb. 20, 2028. The current two-year contract costs $75,000.

The Police Department’s presentation was intended to cover how the cameras are used, who can access the data, and the rules governing its storage and sharing. Council has not yet heard that presentation or questioned the chief about it. It is scheduled be presented at the next meeting on Monday, October 12th.