Kalamazoo Residents Discover the Hidden Eyes of ALPR Cameras
Residents of Kalamazoo, Michigan, have found themselves thrust into an eerie world of surveillance recently, sparked by a new initiative launched by software engineer Will Freeman. This year, Freeman developed DeFlock, an online map that reveals the location of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras that silently track the movements of vehicles in their towns.
What are ALPRs?
So, what exactly are these ALPRs? Well, they are sophisticated cameras mounted on poles that capture images of passing license plates, along with the date, time, and location of each vehicle. While some argue that these systems help in tracking down stolen cars or fugitives, Freeman stresses that the reality is more concerning: they primarily monitor the journeys of law-abiding citizens.
A Journey of Discovery
Freeman’s journey into this world began while he was traveling from Washington state to Huntsville to visit his parents. As he drove through southern states, he started to notice a concerning number of these black poles equipped with cameras and solar panels. “It didn’t take long for me to figure out that they were ALPRs made by a company named Flock,” he explained.
Being an advocate for privacy, Freeman was unsettled by the idea of being constantly tracked. “I just don’t like them. The less tracking, the better,” he shared. The CEO of Flock, Garrett Langley, has claimed that his company aims to “eliminate” crime in the U.S. within ten years—a goal that several experts deem unrealistic.
Growing Database of Cameras
Freeman’s map, DeFlock, has revealed a worrying trend. In cities like Huntsville, there are already dozens of ALPRs reported, with nearly 2,000 cameras documented across the United States, and over 5,500 worldwide. Shockingly, many residents of Alabama, including those from Mobile and Montgomery, are still unaware of the existence of these surveillance devices.
Public Sentiment
Curious about public opinion, Freeman recently posted on a local subreddit about ALPRs in Huntsville, only to find that over 300 residents responded, with many expressing their surprise that such cameras exist in their area. “There’s a huge lack of awareness about these cameras, which is what I want to change,” he noted.
A Call for Transparency
Freeman’s ultimate goal is not just to raise awareness but to create a block against these cameras—if not remove them altogether. He envisions a future where cities, much like those in California, will have to hold public meetings before installing these surveillance tools, ensuring citizens are informed. “If people knew how many there were, I think a lot of them would be unhappy,” he concluded.
Legal Action in Norfolk, VA
Freeman is not alone in his concerns. In late October, a couple in Norfolk, Virginia, filed a lawsuit against their city, arguing that the rampant use of Flock cameras is an infringement of their constitutional rights. The lawsuit emphasizes that constant monitoring creates a climate of surveillance that’s both invasive and detrimental to personal privacy.
The Future of Surveillance in Alabama
Currently, Alabama lacks specific regulations concerning ALPRs. However, a bill that was proposed in 2020 by Senator Arthur Orr that aimed to limit the use and storage of data from these scanners was ultimately not passed. “We don’t need the government tracking citizens without significant limitations,” Orr previously stated.
The Road Ahead
As Freeman continues his work with DeFlock, he hopes to evolve his platform into a navigation tool that would help drivers steer clear of these ALPRs by providing alternate routes. “I should be able to provide a Google Maps route that avoids all of these cameras,” he explained. The campaign highlights an important point: as technology advances, so must our awareness of how it affects our lives.
Whether through legal channels, grassroots awareness, or tech-savvy tools to avoid surveillance, the people of Kalamazoo and beyond are starting to realize that they are being watched. It’s time to look up from our screens and consider what’s happening around us—because in this case, ignorance is not bliss.
