DeKalb alderman questioned about Flock Safety LPR cameras at ward meeting

When DeKalb City Council voted 4-1 to approve a contract with Flock Safety, Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker was the lone vote against. He told residents at a ward meeting Thursday that when it comes to transparency on the cameras, he’s with the residents asking for it. “Chief Byrd and I haven’t seen eye to eye in years,” Walker said. “However, when it comes to transparency, I’m where you’re at it.”Walker was responding to a question raised by a resident about what the police department is doing to ensure transparency so the public can see how much these cameras may be helping to solve crimes. Police Chief David Byrd declined to comment. The city’s police department maintains a public transparency portal on its website with data on the number of license plate reader cameras, hotlist hits, searches, and more. City documents show that the police chief signed the contract in May, rendering the deal effective a month prior to the council’s decision.DeKalb first began deploying license pla