Close to home, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, an early supporter of the cameras, is now appointing an independent, external panel to review the technology. In a statement, Gorton said she's "listened to the public" on the issue, tightened local controls, and expects to have the review panel in place by the end of this month.
I want to take politics out of this discussion, and focus on facts.Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton
"This panel will examine best practices and evaluate if improvements are needed, if a new vendor should be considered, or if other action should be taken. I want to take politics out of this discussion, and focus on facts," she said.
Gorton added that no one has accused Lexington Police of misusing the camera system and Chief Lawrence Weathers supports the external review.
Lexington has 125 Flock cameras across the city. Their locations are public information.
Thursday, state lawmakers debated the use of Flock cameras in committee, with many legislators sounding open to greater restrictions on the technology. Gov. Andy Beshear said he believes decisions surrounding the cameras should be "hyperlocal," focusing on what specific neighborhoods want to see.
At the same time, Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie is going further, unveiling what he's dubbed the "Flock-Off Act," which — if passed — could effectively eliminate or reduce Flock cameras in some communities by cutting off federal funding.
"It doesn't ban Flock cameras, but it does say the federal government is not going to pay for your Flock cameras if you want them," he told Spectrum News. "I think they're an invasion of privacy and they go beyond the balance security and privacy."
Massie says the bipartisan bill would have exceptions for use near U.S. borders and for toll collections.