Ithaca leaders pulled the plug on a citywide license-plate reader system after months of debate over surveillance and privacy, according to 14850.com.
The Common Council voted unanimously to end the city’s contract with security company Flock Safety. About 22 cameras had tracked vehicles entering and leaving the city to help police investigate crimes and locate stolen cars.
Critics warned the system collected detailed travel data on every passing vehicle and could share that information across law-enforcement networks. Supporters argued the cameras helped solve crimes and improve investigations.
The cameras will come down when the contract ends, though other agencies in Tompkins County may continue running similar systems.
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