San Jose police Chief Paul Joseph is recommending a series of changes to how Flock cameras are used in the city. The proposal being considered by the city council come after community groups recently announced they were suing San Jose over the use of the controversial cameras. “We know we ne ed community acceptance for what we do,” Joseph said. “We only are as strong as our relationship with the community. So if a few safeguards can help us build that trust that we’ve been working so hard to build, then I think it’s a win-win for everybody.” Joseph is proposing Flock camera data retention would be narrowed from one year to 30 days. The chief also wants Flock cameras banned in and around churches, hospital, clinics, or other prohibited areas. In addition, Joseph’s proposal said federal agencies will not be allowed access to the city’s Flock camera data. Mountain View Feb 25 Mountain View city leaders end Flock Safety contract San Jose Feb 12 Flock cameras: SJPD credits tech for solving crimes, groups raise privacy concerns Alameda County Feb 10 Alameda County considers extending Flock license plate camera program The Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN) is recommending its own safeguards, including requiring a judicial warrant for any data search, prohibiting facial recognition technology on Flock cameras, and only storing the camera data for 10 days. “No matter how perfect a policy is, the federal government has proven that there are no boundaries to their lawless and violent propaganda in our communities,” SIREN said. Joseph could made department policy changes on his own, but wants the city council to adopt his proposal so a future chief would have to go back and get city approval if he or she wants to change the rules. Flock cameras, or automatic license plate readers, are spread out throughout San Jose. The technology in January allowed officers to quickly locate, track and arrest a San Jose man suspected of kidnapping and assaulting a young girl on her way to school. But the cameras are also swirling in controversy. Many opponents said they believe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could also access the cameras to track immigrants. Recently, SIREN joined the Center for American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the ACLU, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation in filing a lawsuit against the city and their use of the cameras. “We believe the best approach is to turn these cameras off,” said Kimberly Woo with SIREN. ...read more read less