'People are very concerned.' Lawmakers call for pause on Flock cameras and automated license plate readers

Flock cameras are causing a nationwide controversy, and now a Connecticut lawmaker wants them banned. But police say the cameras are a big help in solving major crimes. Justin DeVelis reports. It's almost like dandelions coming up in the springtime. They're just all over the place. Connecticut State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff says flock cameras have proved to be problematic. People are very concerned about the fact that they leave their houses, and they feel like they're under constant surveillance by local and state government, or federal government, and then until they get back in the door again. That's why he's asking towns and cities to stop putting them up, so legislators can take a closer look at how the highly controversial surveillance technology collects and distributes data. That's the thing, is trying to find the right balance between privacy and public safety. But police departments say the cameras are vital in helping solve major crimes. Milford Police Chief Keith Mello says the technology helped investigators solve a recent home invasion murder in town. We also went to work searching our license plate reader database, which was vital in helping us identify the vehicle that was using this crime, and ultimately the suspects who committed this crime. Our LPRs and other public and private video cameras have provided valuable evidence. Residents have expressed frustration with the cameras in town hall meetings across the state. Multiple flock cameras were even vandalized in Milford back in July. DOF is asking the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to provide a list of every flock camera in the state. Technology is moving so much more quickly than we can write the legislation. I'm Justin DeVelis, News 12.