Flock surveillance and facial recognition funding in 2027 budget
Summary
Sixteen public speakers, nearly all urging the council not to fund Flock license plate readers, Clearview AI, or the drone program in the 2027 budget. They cited privacy, Fourth Amendment concerns, data breaches, misuse by EPD, and argued the ~$265,000 proposed for 2027 would do more good in community programs. No vote was taken, but the council acknowledged the input is fueling ongoing conversations with stakeholders.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 12
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
The 2027 budget proposal reportedly includes about $265,000 for surveillance contracts, up from $142,500 this year — the money speakers want redirected.
If defunded, residents concerned about privacy and neighborhoods whose needs could be met with social programs; if funded, law enforcement agencies seeking investigative tools.
Speakers argue ordinary residents are surveilled without consent and vulnerable communities face disproportionate targeting.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Council Meeting - Sep 28, 2026
Sixteen public speakers, nearly all urging the council not to fund Flock license plate readers, Clearview AI, or the drone program in the 2027 budget. They cited privacy, Fourth Amendment concerns, data breaches, misuse by EPD, and argued the ~$265,000 proposed for 2027 would do more good in community programs. No vote was taken, but the council acknowledged the input is fueling ongoing conversations with stakeholders.
Board Of Public Safety - Sep 09, 2026
Two residents asked the board to cancel and not renew the city's Flock surveillance camera contracts, calling them warrantless surveillance of people who've committed no crime. Police staff countered that Evansville's system only reads license plates, and the contract is public. No vote was taken.
City Council Meeting - Jul 13, 2026
A resident pressed the council on transparency and oversight of Flock surveillance cameras, saying data is shared nationwide without warrants. Council members said Evansville has basic cameras, policies exist, and they're continuing to look into it.
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