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Flock Safety in Cohasset

Check out investinCohasset.org/surveillance for the latest updates!

You’ve heard it, and seen it, the expression “You’ve Been Flocked.” Do you know what it means?

Being "flocked" means an AI-powered automated license plate reader (ALPR) camera system provided by Flock Safety has recorded your vehicle's license plate, stored your historical and real-time location and movements in a shared national database, and is easily searched without a warrant, probable cause, or reasonable suspicion.

It means someone’s watching you, your movements are being tracked, and police departments and private camera companies can share your data with others without you even knowing about it. In fact, these camera companies profit off of invading our privacy.

Does this sound like Orwell’s “1984”? It’s happening next door right now in Cohasset, Mass., where they already have FOUR cameras installed. There’s an ALPR camera right on Route 3A in front of Aubuchon Hardware tracking your plate every time you drive by.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

A group of concerned Cohasset residents is trying to put some guardrails around how these cameras and their data are being used. Their goal is to exercise some citizen oversight, transparency, and data governance best practices over this new surveillance technology. But they NEED OUR SUPPORT.

They’ve drawn up a proposed bylaw Citizen’s Petition “Surveillance Technology Oversight Bylaw” that would require a public review process for any surveillance technology Cohasset might adopt—and including retroactive coverage for the four ALPRs currently in use by the Cohasset Police Department. It’s modeled after the ACLU Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS) ordinance that has been adopted nationally and in Massachusetts.

The bylaw would require town agencies to make public disclosures about plans to fund or deploy surveillance technology, such as the ALPR cameras or facial recognition software, and require safeguards for what happens with sensitive personal data. It would require public reporting on how the system is being used and on policy compliance.

Their feedback indicates bi-partisan support from Cohasset residents but opposition from Town leadership. They can still use our help. Their proposed bylaw goes before Cohasset’s Town Meeting on Monday, Oct. 26.

Even if you don’t live in Cohasset, those cameras are collecting data on all of us. As affected neighbors and key stakeholders, here’s what you can do to let Cohasset town officials know about your concerns.

STEP 1: CALL OR WRITE TO COHASSET OFFICIALS

A simple note telling them you support the bylaw and increased citizen oversight of the technology should do it.

Here are their email addresses:

Select Board:

dfarrag@cohassetma.gov

emaher@cohassetma.gov

Washton@cohassetma.gov

PGrady@cohassetma.gov

Gwatts@cohassetma.gov

Police Chief:

wquigley@cohassetpolicema.gov

Town Manager:

MLeary@cohassetma.gov

STEP 2: ATTEND THE “You’re Under Surveillance” INFORMATIONAL MEETING

It’s being held at 6 PM on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Cohasset Library.

Space is limited, so join virtually if you’d like to learn more!

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87050824409?pwd=j6H3CCSQB3kfabKbp52YMcp2S1JDzN.1
Meeting ID: 870 5082 4409
Passcode: 922555

STEP 3: STANDOUT UNITY

Join a planned standout in front of the Cohasset Stop & Shop on Sat. Oct. 24 9:00-10:00AM to increase public awareness of this issue and to let the town and its officials know what you think.

STEP 4: COHASSET TOWN MEETING SOLIDARITY

Join them in solidarity at their Cohasset Town Meeting on Monday, Oct. 26 7PM when a vote will be taken on the proposed bylaw (the bylaw is last on the agenda so it’ll come up late).

Scituate residents can’t speak, but wear Scituate apparel to demonstrate a show of support.

We know Indivisible Scituate members care about public safety and privacy and want to stand up for what’s right in our communities. Let’s join our neighbors on this important issue and ensure that our rights are protected!

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