Public Safety Committee - March 24, 2026

The Tompkins County Public Safety Committee met on March 24, 2026, with significant public commentary focused on concerns about the Flock Safety camera system, particularly regarding privacy, data ownership, and civil liberties. Multiple speakers urged the committee to reject renewal of the Flock contract and disconnect existing cameras, citing risks of surveillance overreach and lack of transparency. The committee approved minutes from the previous meeting and entered executive session to discuss sensitive public safety matters. Key procurement-related actions included unanimous approval of resolutions to apply for a countywide municipal operating certificate of need (CON) for emergency medical services (EMS) and to adopt the Tompkins County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). Additionally, the committee authorized acceptance of grants from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for ignition interlock monitoring and pretrial services, with some grant funds allocated for radios and client support. Updates were provided on EMS capacity building, illicit cannabis enforcement efforts, and jail rebuild planning, including a $1 million allocation for evaluation and future architectural work. The meeting also covered assigned counsel program funding and ongoing justice department initiatives. Overall, the meeting combined public safety policy discussions with several procurement and grant funding approvals relevant to county emergency and justice services.