(STURGIS) - The Sturgis Department of Public Safety will not be keeping a crime-fighting tool.
During last week's City Commission meeting, it was announced that the Flock cameras around Sturgis will not be used after this year. Director of Public Safety Ryan Banaszak says he is sorry to see them go.
Banaszak says Flock cameras are fantastic tools that have helped to solve multiple homicides and CSC investigations. He says they are used by Sturgis Police Officers almost daily. Banaszak says he is sorry to see them go, but in putting together a budget you have to make some tough choices and he chose to eliminate them.
Commissioner Rick Bir asked when they would be removed. Banaszak says they would not be operational after the contract is finished in December. They would be removed at a later time.
Flock cameras log vehicle details including make, model, color, license plate and bumper stickers, that creates searchable movement databases without warrants.
There have been concerns raised that police officers misuse the database to stalk ex-partners or run unauthorized personal searches.