Cameras in Apex continue to raise concern as an Axon contract renewal is on the table

APEX, N.C. (WNCN) — Concerns over automatic license plate readers like those made by Flock are growing, and in Apex, a chance to put up more cameras is on the table.

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This comes as Apex is considering renewing its contract with Axon, a company that focuses on making law enforcement equipment, until 203. The renewal is for Axon’s Air DroneSense software and the company’s Interview Room system. The city claims the renewed services would enhance public safety operations, evidence management, and investigative capabilities.

“I want people to understand that we have a public safety commitment to our community,” Mayor of Apex, Jacques Gilbert, said.

Gilbert said that each system helps the Apex Police Department solve crimes. For example, the Axon Air DroneSense helps the department see from a bird’s-eye view.

“It’s used in many different situations, so when we have festivals, they deploy the drones to be able to monitor the area for public safety. They also use it for investigations, for searching for missing persons,” Gilbert said.

While the Interview Room Systems, which are cameras established in rooms used for witness or suspect interviews, are required by law, according to Gilbert.

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The discussion has been pushed to the Apex Public Safety Committee for further review after major community pushback.

“Abuse, privacy, violation, the utilization its not three words its where is this data going and who is actually benefiting from it,” Founder of DeFlock, George Hogan, said.

Camera systems like Automatic License Plate Readers, or ALPR’s, are used by law enforcement to help find suspects by recording the vehicle license plate numbers along with the time, date, and location.

But the data collected is what concerns residents.

“The debate is no longer about ‘Is this a crime-fighting tool?’ Which, objectively, it is not. If you look at every single city that has put Flock or Axon or any ALPR, and you look at their crime rates versus a city that has not put it in the crime rate has fallen exactly the same number,” Hogan said.

CBS17 has reached out to the Apex Police Department for comment. However, police were unable to answer our questions in time for publication.

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The Public Safety Committee meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24 at 8:30 a.m.