KDPS chief says Flock cameras not used for immigration enforcement as residents raise concerns

The Kalamazoo City Commission met Monday, February 2, for a regular business meeting. While the agenda included no new business items, several residents used public comment to raise concerns about a renters’ rights ballot initiative and the city’s use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras.

Watershed Voice has previously reported on the city’s use of Flock cameras, including earlier calls from residents to remove the technology, and a separate explainer on what “Deflock” is and why the movement exists.

Multiple speakers, including members of the advocacy group We the People, urged commissioners to remove the cameras and asked city leaders to state they would not assist federal immigration officers if they came to Kalamazoo.

In response, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen described how the department uses Flock cameras and outlined what he said are prohibited uses of the technology.

“Flock License Plate Readers (LPRs) are used as a crime-solving and life-saving tool, not for immigration enforcement,” Boysen said.

Boysen said the cameras are used to read license plates and help locate vehicles connected to criminal activity. He added that license plates are “public in nature,” noting vehicle owners are legally required to register their vehicles and display license plates publicly.

The data collected by the cameras is not considered personal identifying information, according to Boysen. He said KDPS would need to conduct additional research outside of the Flock system to connect a license plate to a specific vehicle owner. Boysen said enforcement of immigration laws is prohibited under the department’s use policy for the cameras. He also said the policy prohibits using the technology to track people seeking reproductive or other health care.

Boysen highlighted what he described as positive uses of the cameras, including assisting in homicide investigations, locating stolen vehicles, and helping in missing persons cases. He said license plate data has been “instrumental” in solving cases.

Neighborhood Enterprise Zone public hearing

Commissioners also held a public hearing on the creation of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone, or NEZ, tied to a proposed development near Vine Street and South Burdick Street.

City planner Bobby Durkee said the NEZ is intended to support new housing and help align workforce housing with nearby employers.

“This development is helping align workforce housing for Bronson directly, or other large employers that need it in the city,” Durkee said.

There was no vote on the NEZ Monday. The item was presented as a public hearing only.

Commissioner Jeanne Hess asked whether a daycare or grocery store could be included in the development.

“The NEZ is a housing incentive, so it’s not part of those. However, with the site plan under review — and if the developer wants to speak more — it shows those uses in the space, which usually shows a really serious commitment as opposed to future commercial space,” Durkee said.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.