Protesters gather outside Monroe City Hall, demand city end its contract with Flock Safety

MONROE, N.C. – Protesters gathered outside Monroe City Hall Tuesday night, demanding the city tear up its contract with surveillance company Flock Safety. The community group Neighbors United says the automated license plate readers infringe on privacy and Fourth Amendment rights.

The rally comes as the Monroe Police Department uses a new grant to expand its surveillance network to roughly 25 Flock cameras that also detect gunshots and car crashes.

Activists note the tech company is currently facing a congressional investigation over data collection.

Neighbors United member Selena Campbell says, “If (the) Monroe Police Department wants to build trust with the community, why rush to install more cameras before residents have a chance to weigh in? Monroe residents are calling upon the City to join the crusade for our civil liberties and take actions to terminate the contract.”