Appleton committee recommends new license plate reader standards

Appleton announced it would stop using cameras last month

Last month, Mayor Jake Woodford announced the city would stop using Flock cameras.

The decision comes after Oshkosh canceled its Flock contract in April, and neighboring Grand Chute canceled its Flock contract while simultaneously choosing to sign a contract with Axon to provide ALPR cameras. Elsewhere in the state, Dane County and Sturgeon Bay also voted earlier this year to cancel their contracts. Green Bay announced in May it would continue using Flock cameras.

Appleton does not need the Common Council’s approval to stop using the cameras, it only needs approval to stop issuing payments to Flock, according to Woodford. Flock camera use will end next Tuesday, June 30.

The committee decided to:

1. End payments Flock camera
2. Recommend to establish Public Oversight and Accountability Standards for Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) and mass surveillance
3. NOT outright ban license plate reading cameras, as was proposed by Alder Nate Wolff

In a statement, Flock said, “When a tool that is actively helping solve violent crimes, locate suspects, and find missing people is removed, public safety moves backward.”

The statement continued, “We remain committed to working transparently with any community and showcasing how our technology works and what protections are in place.”

Committee recommends establishing new ALPR standards

Alders Denise Fenton and Katie Van Zeeland proposed the public oversight and accountability standards, which passed 4-0 in the committee.

“I’m also supportive of the use of automated license plate reader technology for law enforcement purposes,” Woodford said. “However, we are also in agreement that there need to be robust policies and procedures in place and transparency.”

Appleton Police Department reaffirms value of ALPR technology

Appleton Police Chief Polly Olson advocated for ALPR use in Appleton before the Safety and Licensing Committee on Wednesday, also expressing support for the public oversight and accountability standards.

“For Appleton, a growing and diverse community with busy transportation corridors, regional connections, and evolving public safety challenges,” said Olson, “ALPR technology has proven its ability to strengthen the Police Department’s capacity to prevent and solve crime while allowing officers to work more efficiently.”

Olson also cited specific examples of ALPR cameras helping to track down suspects in cases including battery, disorderly conduct, homicide, sexual assault, reckless driving, hit-and-runs, stolen vehicles and drug crimes. She also noted a missing father and child and a missing female were located with the help of ALPR cameras.

Olson also mentioned the need for safeguards for the officers who use the ALPR cameras.

“The Appleton Police Department is eager to adopt ALPR technology with a comprehensive policy framework that balances effective policing with constitutional protections and community expectations,” she wrote.

She continued: “However, rejecting a valuable public safety tool solely because it can be misused ignores the safeguards available and the benefits it provides. The solution is not to eliminate technology, it is to establish appropriate rules, oversight and accountability.”