LEAD, S.D. – The Lead City Commission has approved the first reading of an ordinance that would ban automated license plate readers and other forms of mass surveillance technology within city limits.
The proposed ordinance would prohibit city departments, officials, contractors, and law enforcement from purchasing, installing, or using automated license plate reader systems, often known as Flock cameras. It would also restrict the use of data collected through those systems for warrantless monitoring of the public.
Mayor Dustin Heupel says the proposal was driven by concerns raised by local residents about privacy and mass surveillance.
The ordinance would not affect standard security camera systems on city property, nor would it limit investigations conducted with a judicial warrant or surveillance systems operated by state or federal agencies.
A second reading and final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for the Lead City Commission’s October 5th meeting.
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