Crime & Public Safety
Protest at Fargo City Hall Opposes Use of Flock ALPR Cameras
Protesters gathered Friday outside Fargo City Hall on the corner of 1st Avenue N and 2nd Street N to oppose the use of Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. The demonstration brought together the Faith and Conviction Coalition and Red River Indivisible to press city leaders on the cameras’ presence in the metro area.
Organizers and participants said they want Fargo to follow Horace’s recent decision to remove Flock cameras. The source reported that a protester said, “Horace has already done it. Let’s get the rest of the cities to join the ranks and get the Flock cameras out of our metro area and regain our 4th Amendment privacy rights.” Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee told residents the best avenue for change is to speak directly with city commissioners and attend public hearings.
The Fargo Police Department issued a statement ahead of the gathering saying it respects the community’s right to peaceful expression and that the department uses the cameras to address speeding, stolen vehicles and stolen weapons. The department also described policies and safeguards: each search requires a documented public safety purpose and comprehensive audit logs to ensure accountability, and the statement said the department will take steps to help ensure the safety of those participating or present.
At the time of the report, the protest was planned for the day described and the city’s elected officials remain the forum cited by the mayor for residents to express their positions on Flock cameras.
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