Monterey County Board Removes 63 Flock Surveillance Cameras

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors decided to remove 63 county Flock cameras without implementing a replacement system. The decision follows organized political pressure from a small group citing privacy concerns.

Local law enforcement officials, including the sheriff and district attorney, opposed the move. They provided assurances regarding existing safeguards and emphasized the investigative value of the cameras in solving crimes. Critics of the decision argue that removing the technology may embolden criminals and leave more crimes unsolved.

Despite the immediate removal of the hardware, the Board of Supervisors has not permanently banned such technology. The board left the possibility open for the implementation of a future county-owned system, provided it is governed by new regulations.