Palm Bay city officials announced Friday that all FLOCK surveillance cameras across the city will be suspended immediately. The decision comes after a review of the city’s surveillance policies and growing public concerns about data collection practices. City Manager Lisa Thompson confirmed the suspension during a brief press conference at City Hall, though no specific timeline for a potential restart was provided.
The FLOCK cameras, operated by a private contractor under a 2021 city contract, have been installed at key intersections and public buildings. The city’s contract with the vendor requires annual compliance checks, but officials said recent audits revealed gaps in data encryption and storage protocols. 'We take privacy seriously,' Thompson said. 'Until these issues are resolved, the cameras are off.'
The move has sparked mixed reactions. Some residents praised the decision, with one caller during a public meeting saying, 'I didn’t sign up for constant surveillance.' Others expressed concern about the city’s ability to monitor crime without the cameras. 'If they’re not working, how do we stay safe?' asked John Martinez, a local business owner.
The city council is scheduled to discuss the matter in a special session next week. Legal advisors are reviewing the contract to determine if penalties apply for the vendor’s noncompliance. Meanwhile, city staff is working to remove the cameras and transition to alternative monitoring systems. No details about replacements were shared.