Public Safety & General Government 04-23-2026

The City of Norwalk, Connecticut Public Safety & General Government Committee held a meeting on April 23, 2026, primarily focused on the use and oversight of license plate reader (LPR) cameras provided by the vendor Flock Safety. Public comments expressed significant privacy and data security concerns regarding the cameras, including data sharing with federal immigration authorities and the adequacy of contractual safeguards. Chief Walsh and other police officials detailed the operational use of the 11 cameras across the city, emphasizing their role in reducing stolen vehicle crimes and other criminal investigations. The Chief also explained that data retention is limited to 21-30 days, that sharing of data outside Connecticut was halted in August 2025, and that the department conducts audits to ensure compliance with state laws. Council members discussed the enforceability of contract provisions with third-party vendors and the implications of recent Connecticut legislation regulating LPR systems, which includes mandatory audits, limited data sharing, and penalties for misuse. The meeting underscored the balance between public safety benefits and privacy protections, with ongoing community dialogue and legislative compliance as key themes.