Ledyard takes further steps to remove Flock cameras after data breach

LEDYARD, CT. (WFSB) - The Town of Ledyard is looking to remove their Flock cameras after a recent data breach caused widespread concern.

Throughout the year, town leaders have been hearing from more and more worried citizens the cameras and who has access to the data it collects.

The final straw may have been when Flock Security said there was a data breach involving the town.

“If the founding fathers stepped out of a time machine right now, and we explained to them what an automatic license plate reading camera was, they’d be in the streets with their flint locks taking pot shots at these things,” said Kevin McGill, a resident.

Town council votes, police conduct review

The town council recently voted unanimously to request the mayor stop collecting and sharing data by Monday.

Police Chief Ken Creutz conducted his own review and wrote to the council that he recommends they stop using them.

“The only prudent situation was to take a time out from the Flock situation and move to sever our contract with them,” said Creutz.

Ledyard installed four cameras late last year, but they have since been covered up.

Flock has repeatedly said the company does not data and only each individual town can access it.

Ledyard signed a two year contract with Flock, and they still owe the company around $12,000. Town leaders said they are willing to pay the price to get out of the contract, but some councilors said they will look into legal recourse.

“If we can display legally that we’ve been misled in this contract, in what we signed up to in terms of the conditions. To me, that’s grounds at least for something,” said Tim Ryan, a councilor. “It makes a statement, right? I don’t want to spend more than we’re already losing.”

Creutz told Channel 3 that he requested the company take down the cameras, but he has not gotten a response yet.