Pocatello City Council Town Hall Meeting 10 21 26 01

The City of Pocatello held a town hall on October 21, 2026 (the meeting title date; metadata lists October 22), focused primarily on the Police Department’s Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) system. Police representatives said the department selected Flock in 2024 after considering several vendors, citing cost effectiveness, technology updates, installation, and overall value. The department currently operates 36 cameras; officials said there is no requirement to add more and that the city could reduce or end the service after the contract. No dollar amount, contract number, procurement motion, or vote was provided, and officials stated that no official action could be taken at the town hall.

Police described the system’s investigative purpose, 30-day default data retention, user training and access controls, monthly audits, and public transparency portal. Residents raised concerns about privacy, constitutional rights, data security, potential misuse, future camera expansion, and vendor oversight; others cited public-safety benefits. Residents also asked about camera placement, data sharing, private-property cameras, and whether the city would poll residents or discontinue the system. Council members said they would consider the feedback, including requests for stronger city-level oversight and clearer policy. No decision or formal action resulted.