SALISBURY, Md. - Salisbury Police Chief Dave Meienschein is responding to questions surrounding the city’s use of Flock Safety cameras, releasing an open letter Thursday outlining how the department says the technology is being used and what safeguards are in place.
The letter comes as scrutiny of Salisbury’s Flock camera network continues. The NAACP recently raised questions about the system, including how camera placement is decided, how the technology is used, and what protections are in place for residents.
In the Aug. 6 letter, Meienschein said the department recognizes that community members have questions about the system’s “capabilities, limitations, deployment strategy, and safeguards.” He said the department is committed to providing information about the technology while protecting individual privacy.
Meienschein described Flock Safety as a “limited investigative tool” used to assist officers in criminal investigations, rather than a replacement for traditional policing or officer judgment. According to the chief, use of the system is governed by Maryland law and department policy, including rules covering authorized access, auditing, and accountability.
The chief also addressed how the department determines where cameras are placed.
According to Meienschein, locations are selected based on public safety needs, investigative value, and crime trends, as well as areas where police believe the cameras can provide the greatest benefit. He said the system monitors public spaces and areas generally used by the public.
Meienschein also offered the department’s first broader explanation of how the cameras have aided investigations since their deployment.
According to the letter, Flock technology has helped Salisbury Police identify and apprehend people involved in serious crimes, including sexual assaults, carjackings, and robberies. Meienschein said the technology has also helped officers recover stolen vehicles and investigate missing-person cases.
The department has also launched a new Flock Safety Transparency Portal, which police say will provide the public with information about the program, department policies, frequently asked questions, and other resources. Meienschein said the department plans to continue updating those resources as additional questions are raised.
“Flock Safety is one of many tools available to law enforcement and represents our continued effort to use responsible, effective, and legally compliant technology to improve public safety while maintaining the trust and confidence of the community we are honored to serve,” Meienschein said.
