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Flock needs to go. We are showing up to the upcoming Millcreek Supervisors meeting to continue to press the topic because these cameras are mass surveillance plain and simple. This kind of camera has no place in our community and they put us all at risk.

July 28th at 6pm at the Millcreek Municipal Building for the Supervisors meeting public comment.

We have a list of asks that each of us can repeat so there is clarity on what we want.

"I am formally asking the Millcreek Township to take immediate action regarding Flock cameras and any similar AI-enabled surveillance or automated license plate reader systems that are connected to the internet or capable of large-scale data sharing and tracking.

First, cancel any existing contract or agreement involving Flock Safety or similar surveillance systems.

Second, remove Township access to these camera networks and discontinue participation in any shared surveillance database or monitoring program connected to them.

Third, engage directly with the owners of the Millcreek Mall and any other private properties using these systems, and strongly encourage the removal of AI-enabled, internet-connected surveillance cameras that collect or share mass vehicle or movement data.

Fourth, make clear public statements acknowledging the privacy, cybersecurity, civil liberties, and public safety risks created by networked surveillance systems of this kind.

Finally, work on an ordinance restricting or prohibiting the use of AI-enabled, internet-connected license plate readers and similar mass surveillance camera systems within the Township. If security cameras are necessary for legitimate safety purposes, they can be replaced with traditional closed-circuit systems that do not rely on broad data collection, internet connectivity, artificial intelligence analysis, or large-scale information sharing.

Thank you.”

We will also be pointing out that the ACLU has some legislation ready to go for the Supervisors to pick up for a quick start on taking the cameras down and banning the abuse that comes with them. There are links below that show information that the Supervisors have already been sent.

There is also a link to more information on the Flock cameras and why they pose such a danger as well as a link to a growing petition for Erie County to remove these cameras from our community.

I'm sure some of you saw the absolute show that the April 28th Supervisor's Meeting was. So I figured I should spread some civic knowledge. If anyone is told they are not allowed to speak during a public comment period this violates the Sunshine Act so long as they are a taxpayer. While some people may try to say that you need to be a taxpayer directly to the municipality not only is the enforcement of this incredibly questionable (since they would need to get into vetting or proving this in some way which is unreasonable) but even if you live in a surrounding area there are many ways that your taxes still go to surrounding municipalities indirectly. And just because they pass through several different buckets/hands it doesn't mean that your taxes don't still make its way back to a given municipality that you do not directly reside in. Even though the Sunshine Act states that reasonable restrictions can be made on who can speak it is not intended to be used this way.

So if you happen to find yourself being barred from speaking, here is some important information every citizens should have:

Ways to Report Violations:

Civil Lawsuit: File a petition in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the agency is located to invalidate actions taken during illegal meetings, mention the Sunshine Act violation: https://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/individual-county-courts/erie-county
District Attorney: File a private criminal complaint with your local county DA's office. Violations can be crimes: https://eriecountypa.gov/departments/district-attorneys-office/county-detectives/private-criminal-complaints/
ACLU: File a complain with the ACLU: https://complaints.aclupa.org/

To Do:

Document Everything: Note dates, times, attendees, and the specific nature of the violation (e.g., meeting in secret, no public notice, or no public comment opportunity).
Raise the Issue: Formally complain at the meeting or send a written objection to the agency board.
Seek Counsel: Consider consulting an attorney, as Sunshine Act litigation can be complex.

Notes:

There does not appear to be a way to report Sunshine law violations directly, the Office of Open Records handles some training for violators, but it is after the fact.
File a lawsuit in the local Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of an improperly closed meeting or 1 year of a violation.

Mass Surveillance Out

Sunshine Act Violation Reporting ft. Millcreek Township Flock Meeting