Troy police license plate data storage sparks debate over privacy
Troy police license plate data storage sparks debate over privacy
https://wnyt.com/top-stories/troy-police-license-plate-data-storage-sparks-debate-over-privacy/
Publish Date: 2026-05-20 16:00:00
Source Domain: wnyt.com
TROY, N.Y. (WNYT)- After months of heated debate over Flock license plate reader cameras in Troy, city leaders have agreed to a temporary compromise that keeps the cameras active while officials spend the next 60 days reviewing how the technology is used and whether additional privacy protections are needed.
Related: Troy license plate cameras stay on with new 60-day privacy rules
The agreement follows weeks of tension between Troy residents, city council members, police officials, and Mayor Carmella Mantello over concerns surrounding surveillance, privacy, and law enforcement access to collected data.
Under the updated policy, Troy police would only be allowed to access Flock’s nationwide database in violent felony investigations with approval from the police chief. The policy also prohibits the cameras from being used for immigration enforcement and limits data sharing to law enforcement agencies within New York State.
City officials say the next two months will help determine how frequently the cameras are used and whether additional safeguards should be added moving forward.
But for some residents, the agreement does not go far enough.
“I think it was a bit premature,” said Frances Sweet, a South Troy resident who has spoken out against the cameras.
Sweet said one of her biggest concerns is that residents were never fully consulted before the technology was implemented in the city.
“I think it’s the concept of surveillance without public input,” Sweet said. “We didn’t get the chance to ever be consulted whether we want this form of surveillance in our town or not.”
Another resident and privacy advocate, Deirdre Shea, said she remains concerned that the cameras will continue operating during the 60-day review period.
“Giving the police sixty more days to go through this process is sixty more days that our data is being collected without our consent, and we have a problem with that,” Shea said.
Related: Dispute between city…
