License plate readers, data centers dominate public comments at City Council
Bristol, Connecticut residents protested against new technologies, including a planned micro cloud facility and automatic license plate readers, at a City Council meeting. Concerns focused on privacy erosion and potential job displacement from data centers. City officials addressed misconceptions about the technologies and highlighted state laws safeguarding privacy.
Bristol, Connecticut residents voiced strong opposition to the planned construction of a micro cloud facility and the implementation of automatic license plate readers at a recent City Council meeting. Residents, including Gabby Ferrano and Shelly Mastrianni, expressed concerns over the erosion of civil liberties, privacy rights, and the potential negative impact on the community's family-oriented nature.
Mastrianni specifically noted that many residents were unaware that a data center had already been approved and that more are being considered. She argued that data centers are not 'family friendly' and could lead to job losses by paving the way for increased automation. Other residents, David Haberfeld and Sarah Pagano, focused their comments on red-light cameras and license plate readers, highlighting privacy breaches and fairness issues.
Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu and Police Chief Mark Morello addressed public concerns, clarifying the bidding process for red-light cameras and the city's intention to cancel its contract with Flock for existing cameras, moving to Axon. They explained that revenue from red-light infractions is statutorily earmarked for traffic safety improvements, not general city coffers. Chief Morello emphasized strict state laws in Connecticut regarding data usage, assuring residents that data is deleted after 21 days unless part of an active investigation and is only shared within Connecticut law enforcement agencies. He also highlighted the effectiveness of license plate readers in apprehending criminals while acknowledging past misuses of data nationwide and the accountability measures for officers.
Councilors Peter Kelly and Sue Tyler, who attended an event discussing new technologies for law enforcement, also spoke. Kelly emphasized the need for law enforcement to adapt to sophisticated criminal technology, while Tyler, a former police officer, acknowledged constituents' growing privacy concerns despite her initial support for license plate readers.