Woodstock approves Flock cameras after heated public debate | ChciagoLIVE

All right, welcome back at 3:30 right now. Uh, I mentioned earlier, you know, 3:30 right now. Uh, I mentioned earlier, you know, the beginning of the week. mentioned earlier, you know, the beginning of the week. all the talk was about the beginning of the week. all the talk was about Woodstock Willie and all the talk was about Woodstock Willie and groundhog day But uh We’ve Woodstock Willie and groundhog day But uh We’ve really come to a place of groundhog day But uh We’ve really come to a place of uh a much greater debate. really come to a place of uh a much greater debate. uh much bigger than uh a much greater debate. uh much bigger than whether you know. The, the uh much bigger than whether you know. The, the groundhog sees its shadow whether you know. The, the groundhog sees its shadow or not. and Woodstock and groundhog sees its shadow or not. and Woodstock and this has to do with or not. and Woodstock and this has to do with flock. cameras. um, that this has to do with flock. cameras. um, that were approved for purchase. flock. cameras. um, that were approved for purchase. Um, and I want to go ahead were approved for purchase. Um, and I want to go ahead and bring in Woodstock, Um, and I want to go ahead and bring in Woodstock, Mayor. Mike Turner to and bring in Woodstock, Mayor. Mike Turner to talk about where they would Mayor. Mike Turner to talk about where they would be and how people are talk about where they would be and how people are reacting. Thank you so much be and how people are reacting. Thank you so much for your time. My pleasure reacting. Thank you so much for your time. My pleasure to be here, Anita, thank for your time. My pleasure to be here, Anita, thank you. I saw pictures of a to be here, Anita, thank you. I saw pictures of a packed house. uh for you. I saw pictures of a packed house. uh for a meeting. regarding these packed house. uh for a meeting. regarding these flock cameras, tell me a meeting. regarding these flock cameras, tell me your recollection of that flock cameras, tell me your recollection of that meeting. Sure, it was a your recollection of that meeting. Sure, it was a lengthy discussion And, uh, meeting. Sure, it was a lengthy discussion And, uh, we had probably about lengthy discussion And, uh, we had probably about 70 or 80 folks that uh we had probably about 70 or 80 folks that uh that were here attending 70 or 80 folks that uh that were here attending it and for the most part that were here attending it and for the most part uh all except for 1 of the it and for the most part uh all except for 1 of the speakers. uh spoke against uh all except for 1 of the speakers. uh spoke against the flock camera. So I was speakers. uh spoke against the flock camera. So I was very passionate uh, group the flock camera. So I was very passionate uh, group and, uh, you know, I very passionate uh, group and, uh, you know, I appreciate that. That’s the and, uh, you know, I appreciate that. That’s the purpose of, uh, you know, appreciate that. That’s the purpose of, uh, you know, representative local purpose of, uh, you know, representative local government is to to give representative local government is to to give folks an opportunity to government is to to give folks an opportunity to talk about what they think folks an opportunity to talk about what they think and their feelings on on talk about what they think and their feelings on on issues. So, uh, it was a and their feelings on on issues. So, uh, it was a long, you know, long meeting issues. So, uh, it was a long, you know, long meeting total meeting went over long, you know, long meeting total meeting went over 5 and a half hours. the total meeting went over 5 and a half hours. the flock section was about 5 and a half hours. the flock section was about 4 and a half hours. So flock section was about 4 and a half hours. So you know, we go through um, 4 and a half hours. So you know, we go through um, the process of hearing from you know, we go through um, the process of hearing from you know, our police chief, the process of hearing from you know, our police chief, you know, And discussions you know, our police chief, you know, And discussions among the council listening you know, And discussions among the council listening to the public. And then we among the council listening to the public. And then we have to render a decision, to the public. And then we have to render a decision, you know, 1 way or have to render a decision, you know, 1 way or the other. And so that’s you know, 1 way or the other. And so that’s what happened on Tuesday the other. And so that’s what happened on Tuesday night. And the decision at what happened on Tuesday night. And the decision at the end of the night was Uh, night. And the decision at the end of the night was Uh, the decision was to to the end of the night was Uh, the decision was to to move forward with the flock the decision was to to move forward with the flock video system. installation. move forward with the flock video system. installation. It was a 4-3 vote. Uh, so video system. installation. It was a 4-3 vote. Uh, so there were certainly council It was a 4-3 vote. Uh, so there were certainly council members that were not there were certainly council members that were not supportive of it or, or members that were not supportive of it or, or you know, reluctant to supportive of it or, or you know, reluctant to support it. and then there you know, reluctant to support it. and then there were folks that, uh, that 4 support it. and then there were folks that, uh, that 4 of us that that supported were folks that, uh, that 4 of us that that supported it. Um, you know, the other of us that that supported it. Um, you know, the other element to the decision, it. Um, you know, the other element to the decision, it’s important to notice element to the decision, it’s important to notice We, we put some some it’s important to notice We, we put some some conditions on the contract We, we put some some conditions on the contract that were not in. what was conditions on the contract that were not in. what was proposed. uh, we put that were not in. what was proposed. uh, we put conditions in the contract proposed. uh, we put conditions in the contract about uh, making sure that conditions in the contract about uh, making sure that data data ownership and about uh, making sure that data data ownership and access is absolutely data data ownership and access is absolutely limited to the, um, to the access is absolutely limited to the, um, to the city of Woodstock. We put limited to the, um, to the city of Woodstock. We put a 120 day cancellation city of Woodstock. We put a 120 day cancellation Clause at the city’s a 120 day cancellation Clause at the city’s option, only with no Clause at the city’s option, only with no impact or cost to the option, only with no impact or cost to the city. Uh, if we feel that impact or cost to the city. Uh, if we feel that it’s not working, if there city. Uh, if we feel that it’s not working, if there was a, you know, a problem, it’s not working, if there was a, you know, a problem, you know as some of the was a, you know, a problem, you know as some of the folks in the room were you know as some of the folks in the room were fearful of if anything folks in the room were fearful of if anything happens that we’re not fearful of if anything happens that we’re not satisfied with we’ve got happens that we’re not satisfied with we’ve got an ability to walk away satisfied with we’ve got an ability to walk away from this. um, this an ability to walk away from this. um, this contract. So I think those from this. um, this contract. So I think those those provisions, um, contract. So I think those those provisions, um, help mitigate some of the those provisions, um, help mitigate some of the concerns, I’m sure they help mitigate some of the concerns, I’m sure they didn’t completely um, concerns, I’m sure they didn’t completely um, You know, for folks that didn’t completely um, You know, for folks that oppose it necessarily take You know, for folks that oppose it necessarily take away everything. but it’s a oppose it necessarily take away everything. but it’s a comfort level for me. in away everything. but it’s a comfort level for me. in trying to balance the, comfort level for me. in trying to balance the, you know, between the the, trying to balance the, you know, between the the, you know, the function of you know, between the the, you know, the function of the cameras and providing you know, the function of the cameras and providing safety. Um, and then also the cameras and providing safety. Um, and then also those that are concerned safety. Um, and then also those that are concerned about elements of the flock those that are concerned about elements of the flock video system. explain where about elements of the flock video system. explain where these cameras would be. so, video system. explain where these cameras would be. so, they would be in our these cameras would be. so, they would be in our downtown. Square. uh, they would be in our downtown. Square. uh, woodstocks downtown square. downtown. Square. uh, woodstocks downtown square. Is this gorgeous? historic woodstocks downtown square. Is this gorgeous? historic square with shops? Is this gorgeous? historic square with shops? restaurants? uh, 2 buildings square with shops? restaurants? uh, 2 buildings that are owned by the city restaurants? uh, 2 buildings that are owned by the city are Opera house and our Old that are owned by the city are Opera house and our Old Courthouse. Uh, they host are Opera house and our Old Courthouse. Uh, they host events inside them. and Courthouse. Uh, they host events inside them. and the, the square itself is events inside them. and the, the square itself is really the heartbeat of the the, the square itself is really the heartbeat of the city. Uh, it is it hosts. really the heartbeat of the city. Uh, it is it hosts. multiple events throughout city. Uh, it is it hosts. multiple events throughout the year. I mean, you multiple events throughout the year. I mean, you mentioned Groundhog Day the year. I mean, you mentioned Groundhog Day on the outset, I mean, we mentioned Groundhog Day on the outset, I mean, we had over 3,000 people or on the outset, I mean, we had over 3,000 people or so here on Monday. had over 3,000 people or so here on Monday. weekend, groundhog days, get so here on Monday. weekend, groundhog days, get over 5,000 people attending weekend, groundhog days, get over 5,000 people attending to them, But then we have over 5,000 people attending to them, But then we have other events, too Lighting to them, But then we have other events, too Lighting of the square. Mexican other events, too Lighting of the square. Mexican Independence. Day. Uh, our of the square. Mexican Independence. Day. Uh, our pridefest, all of those are Independence. Day. Uh, our pridefest, all of those are Mega events for us and you pridefest, all of those are Mega events for us and you were talking about the Super Mega events for us and you were talking about the Super Bowl. Those are our our Mega were talking about the Super Bowl. Those are our our Mega events with, um, you know, Bowl. Those are our our Mega events with, um, you know, 345 5000 people in in our events with, um, you know, 345 5000 people in in our downtown. And so when you 345 5000 people in in our downtown. And so when you consider those and you downtown. And so when you consider those and you consider, you know, overall, consider those and you consider, you know, overall, you know, desire for safety consider, you know, overall, you know, desire for safety within the the community and you know, desire for safety within the the community and within the downtown, We’re within the the community and within the downtown, We’re going to set up the camera within the downtown, We’re going to set up the camera system to um cover. where going to set up the camera system to um cover. where our biggest. Um our biggest system to um cover. where our biggest. Um our biggest Gatherings are and what we our biggest. Um our biggest Gatherings are and what we think is the most risk for Gatherings are and what we think is the most risk for something happening. God think is the most risk for something happening. God forbid you know we don’t something happening. God forbid you know we don’t hope obviously nothing ever. forbid you know we don’t hope obviously nothing ever. happens but having the hope obviously nothing ever. happens but having the cameras serves, you know, happens but having the cameras serves, you know, a bit as a deterrent but it cameras serves, you know, a bit as a deterrent but it also absolutely serves as a bit as a deterrent but it also absolutely serves as a tool to understand if also absolutely serves as a tool to understand if something does happen. what a tool to understand if something does happen. what happened to make sure we something does happen. what happened to make sure we it helps us in Prosecuting happened to make sure we it helps us in Prosecuting and it helps us tracking it helps us in Prosecuting and it helps us tracking down, you know, somebody and it helps us tracking down, you know, somebody that may perpetrate a bad down, you know, somebody that may perpetrate a bad Act. Sure. And of course, that may perpetrate a bad Act. Sure. And of course, we have seen that um, Act. Sure. And of course, we have seen that um, in in our area, and um, we have seen that um, in in our area, and um, you know, the the use of in in our area, and um, you know, the the use of cameras, how that could you know, the the use of cameras, how that could help. But of course the flip cameras, how that could help. But of course the flip side is people feeling help. But of course the flip side is people feeling like it’s, uh, Big brother side is people feeling like it’s, uh, Big brother if you will. Sure. And I like it’s, uh, Big brother if you will. Sure. And I completely understand that if you will. Sure. And I completely understand that completely my, you know, my completely understand that completely my, you know, my preference would not to be completely my, you know, my preference would not to be to have these cameras you preference would not to be to have these cameras you know? Let me be clear on to have these cameras you know? Let me be clear on that. Um, and the big Brother know? Let me be clear on that. Um, and the big Brother nature of it. I can that. Um, and the big Brother nature of it. I can understand how folks can nature of it. I can understand how folks can feel that way. the rules understand how folks can feel that way. the rules that in the usage of it. feel that way. the rules that in the usage of it. and data access. I mean, that in the usage of it. and data access. I mean, it’s everything is only and data access. I mean, it’s everything is only retained for 30 days. it’s everything is only retained for 30 days. and then it is completely retained for 30 days. and then it is completely wiped out nor that the city and then it is completely wiped out nor that the city nor flock can access uh, wiped out nor that the city nor flock can access uh, uh, that information. and nor flock can access uh, uh, that information. and those video that video data, uh, that information. and those video that video data, uh, anymore. We also have those video that video data, uh, anymore. We also have strict limitations on who uh, anymore. We also have strict limitations on who can access the data if strict limitations on who can access the data if it’s used for an can access the data if it’s used for an investigation. the police it’s used for an investigation. the police officers are individually, investigation. the police officers are individually, you know, tracked. going officers are individually, you know, tracked. going into use the system. So if you know, tracked. going into use the system. So if they were to do into use the system. So if they were to do something, if there was a they were to do something, if there was a bad actor that went in and something, if there was a bad actor that went in and looked at data, they bad actor that went in and looked at data, they shouldn’t look at we will looked at data, they shouldn’t look at we will know that and we will shouldn’t look at we will know that and we will prosecute. uh, that person know that and we will prosecute. uh, that person to the fullest extent of prosecute. uh, that person to the fullest extent of the law and within our, our to the fullest extent of the law and within our, our policy. So with those guard the law and within our, our policy. So with those guard rails in place, we, policy. So with those guard rails in place, we, you know, we feel rails in place, we, you know, we feel comfortable that the in you know, we feel comfortable that the in Balancing. the needs of of comfortable that the in Balancing. the needs of of having safety. you know, Balancing. the needs of of having safety. you know, against the risks, we think having safety. you know, against the risks, we think the upside of the safety against the risks, we think the upside of the safety is substantially. Greater the upside of the safety is substantially. Greater than some of the potential is substantially. Greater than some of the potential risks. You know that we’re than some of the potential risks. You know that we’re talking about. And so risks. You know that we’re talking about. And so that’s for me individually talking about. And so that’s for me individually that’s 1 of the reasons that’s for me individually that’s 1 of the reasons that I voted to support it that’s 1 of the reasons that I voted to support it with the conditions that that I voted to support it with the conditions that we put in place. how many with the conditions that we put in place. how many cameras are we talking we put in place. how many cameras are we talking about? Uh, it is 6. and cameras are we talking about? Uh, it is 6. and the flock system is 6. um, about? Uh, it is 6. and the flock system is 6. um, stationed throughout our the flock system is 6. um, stationed throughout our Square. Um, flock had a stationed throughout our Square. Um, flock had a diagram in the um, in the Square. Um, flock had a diagram in the um, in the packet that we can. When diagram in the um, in the packet that we can. When we considered the proposal packet that we can. When we considered the proposal and it covers the entire we considered the proposal and it covers the entire the entire Square, uh, area and it covers the entire the entire Square, uh, area which consists of a park the entire Square, uh, area which consists of a park in the middle of the which consists of a park in the middle of the square And then streets in the middle of the square And then streets around the square and then square And then streets around the square and then shops around the square around the square and then shops around the square as well. So, 6 was how many shops around the square as well. So, 6 was how many uh, flock recommended yeah, as well. So, 6 was how many uh, flock recommended yeah, they configured it, uh, flock recommended yeah, they configured it, you know, the the chief they configured it, you know, the the chief worked with flock and you know, the the chief worked with flock and another vendor that we worked with flock and another vendor that we looked at to configure, another vendor that we looked at to configure, you know, coverage of the looked at to configure, you know, coverage of the square. where all of these you know, coverage of the square. where all of these people gather. And so they square. where all of these people gather. And so they each came up with their people gather. And so they each came up with their solution for where they each came up with their solution for where they would recommend placing the solution for where they would recommend placing the cameras and what was the would recommend placing the cameras and what was the price? uh, it’s for the cameras and what was the price? uh, it’s for the flock system. It’s a 22,000 price? uh, it’s for the flock system. It’s a 22,000 a year rental on a 3 year flock system. It’s a 22,000 a year rental on a 3 year contract. And so, you know, a year rental on a 3 year contract. And so, you know, look, while 22,000 sounds contract. And so, you know, look, while 22,000 sounds like a huge number, look, while 22,000 sounds like a huge number, you know in reality in a like a huge number, you know in reality in a city budget, you know, like you know in reality in a city budget, you know, like Chicago. of course. But city budget, you know, like Chicago. of course. But then, even in the city of Chicago. of course. But then, even in the city of Woodstock, where our annual then, even in the city of Woodstock, where our annual operating budget is over. Woodstock, where our annual operating budget is over. $30 million. It’s not a operating budget is over. $30 million. It’s not a huge expenditure and the $30 million. It’s not a huge expenditure and the bigger the bigger element huge expenditure and the bigger the bigger element is that you know, the, a bigger the bigger element is that you know, the, a little bit of additional is that you know, the, a little bit of additional safety and capability that little bit of additional safety and capability that the Flop camera gives us safety and capability that the Flop camera gives us in my opinion is absolutely the Flop camera gives us in my opinion is absolutely worth the, you know, the in my opinion is absolutely worth the, you know, the 22,000 dollars per year. Did worth the, you know, the 22,000 dollars per year. Did you speak? after the vote? 22,000 dollars per year. Did you speak? after the vote? Uh, I did not speak after I you speak? after the vote? Uh, I did not speak after I probably spoke plenty, Uh, I did not speak after I probably spoke plenty, you know, folks would say probably spoke plenty, you know, folks would say during the during the you know, folks would say during the during the meeting, We, you know, we during the during the meeting, We, you know, we have a, a very vocal meeting, We, you know, we have a, a very vocal Council, a very active have a, a very vocal Council, a very active Council and discussion Council, a very active Council and discussion Discussing issues, you know, Council and discussion Discussing issues, you know, the public had their Discussing issues, you know, the public had their opportunity. we had uh, the the public had their opportunity. we had uh, the um, police chief gave his opportunity. we had uh, the um, police chief gave his presentation and there was a um, police chief gave his presentation and there was a great deal of of council presentation and there was a great deal of of council comment discussion and back great deal of of council comment discussion and back and forth. on that. So I comment discussion and back and forth. on that. So I didn’t do anything at the and forth. on that. So I didn’t do anything at the end at the end of note. But didn’t do anything at the end at the end of note. But during the process certainly end at the end of note. But during the process certainly did speak and I know it was during the process certainly did speak and I know it was a very late night for you did speak and I know it was a very late night for you all. Um, what would you say a very late night for you all. Um, what would you say though, to people, who all. Um, what would you say though, to people, who questioned if so many though, to people, who questioned if so many people, stood up and questioned if so many people, stood up and disagreed with it, and then people, stood up and disagreed with it, and then it’s like 1:00 in the disagreed with it, and then it’s like 1:00 in the morning and they hear it’s like 1:00 in the morning and they hear approved, Uh, what do you morning and they hear approved, Uh, what do you say to them? well, so approved, Uh, what do you say to them? well, so certainly people that don’t say to them? well, so certainly people that don’t agree with the decision are certainly people that don’t agree with the decision are going to be frustrated and agree with the decision are going to be frustrated and that’s just the nature of going to be frustrated and that’s just the nature of you know, of representative that’s just the nature of you know, of representative government. I mean we’ve you know, of representative government. I mean we’ve made decisions, you know, government. I mean we’ve made decisions, you know, uh and all councils do and made decisions, you know, uh and all councils do and all governmental bodies do uh and all councils do and all governmental bodies do that, you know, aren’t all governmental bodies do that, you know, aren’t universally Uh like that, you know, aren’t universally Uh like you know we just we just universally Uh like you know we just we just don’t we just don’t do you know we just we just don’t we just don’t do 100%. Uh, you know, approval don’t we just don’t do 100%. Uh, you know, approval on all votes. So to the 100%. Uh, you know, approval on all votes. So to the folks that you know that on all votes. So to the folks that you know that were frustrated by it, folks that you know that were frustrated by it, you know, I would say give were frustrated by it, you know, I would say give it, give it a chance that you know, I would say give it, give it a chance that we’ve put the it, give it a chance that we’ve put the guard rails in place we we’ve put the guard rails in place we heard you on the condition guard rails in place we heard you on the condition or the concerns that you heard you on the condition or the concerns that you have. and we despite the or the concerns that you have. and we despite the vote, I share those concerns. have. and we despite the vote, I share those concerns. and we will absolutely vote, I share those concerns. and we will absolutely make sure that um, that and we will absolutely make sure that um, that flock performs to the, make sure that um, that flock performs to the, you know, to the the level flock performs to the, you know, to the the level that we demand. And if you know, to the the level that we demand. And if they don’t, we will cut that we demand. And if they don’t, we will cut them. uh cut them loose. they don’t, we will cut them. uh cut them loose. um, you know, the 70 folks them. uh cut them loose. um, you know, the 70 folks in the room. their their um, you know, the 70 folks in the room. their their Viewpoint Absolutely. matters in the room. their their Viewpoint Absolutely. matters and we listen to them. but Viewpoint Absolutely. matters and we listen to them. but the other nature of being and we listen to them. but the other nature of being on city council and being the other nature of being on city council and being mayor as well is that our on city council and being mayor as well is that our community is 25. people. So mayor as well is that our community is 25. people. So we listen to the folks community is 25. people. So we listen to the folks that are in the room, we listen to the folks that are in the room, you know, I listen to folks that are in the room, you know, I listen to folks that I talked to, or that you know, I listen to folks that I talked to, or that send emails obviously that I talked to, or that send emails obviously listen to police chief and send emails obviously listen to police chief and our staff when they give a listen to police chief and our staff when they give a recommendation and and our staff when they give a recommendation and and the other thing I’ve got to recommendation and and the other thing I’ve got to do is to, to just use my the other thing I’ve got to do is to, to just use my own, you know, my own do is to, to just use my own, you know, my own thoughts and in this case, own, you know, my own thoughts and in this case, you know, I kind of Applied thoughts and in this case, you know, I kind of Applied the the concept for me of you know, I kind of Applied the the concept for me of Common Sense which is that, the the concept for me of Common Sense which is that, if this helps prevent or Common Sense which is that, if this helps prevent or solve a serious crime, or if this helps prevent or solve a serious crime, or crimes over the next 3 solve a serious crime, or crimes over the next 3 years, And if we make crimes over the next 3 years, And if we make sure that it’s used years, And if we make sure that it’s used properly, then I view it sure that it’s used properly, then I view it as as being worthwhile You know, I’m sure you all in preparing or even, You know, I’m sure you all in preparing or even, you know, thinking about uh, in preparing or even, you know, thinking about uh, this particular technology. you know, thinking about uh, this particular technology. Um, did some research this particular technology. Um, did some research Maybe. did some comps um, Um, did some research Maybe. did some comps um, are there some other cities Maybe. did some comps um, are there some other cities or towns? that are are are there some other cities or towns? that are are using or have used? flock? or towns? that are are using or have used? flock? uh, that you use as an using or have used? flock? uh, that you use as an example and and what was uh, that you use as an example and and what was their experience? Yeah. So example and and what was their experience? Yeah. So there that we absolutely their experience? Yeah. So there that we absolutely look at those things and there that we absolutely look at those things and we also looked at the look at those things and we also looked at the ones at the situations we also looked at the ones at the situations that folks sent to us ones at the situations that folks sent to us about that, that created that folks sent to us about that, that created concerns, you know? where about that, that created concerns, you know? where where something didn’t work concerns, you know? where where something didn’t work the way it should over. where something didn’t work the way it should over. there may have been something the way it should over. there may have been something that was that was there may have been something that was that was compromised, and so we that was that was compromised, and so we look at all of those compromised, and so we look at all of those things. um, flock has 450, look at all of those things. um, flock has 450, um, law enforcement agencies things. um, flock has 450, um, law enforcement agencies that they work with, in um, law enforcement agencies that they work with, in the state of Illinois and that they work with, in the state of Illinois and over. 5,000, uh, across the the state of Illinois and over. 5,000, uh, across the United States. So, we’re not over. 5,000, uh, across the United States. So, we’re not exactly out on the, United States. So, we’re not exactly out on the, you know, the bleeding edge exactly out on the, you know, the bleeding edge here there are many, Many you know, the bleeding edge here there are many, Many others that utilize. uh, here there are many, Many others that utilize. uh, that utilize the flock others that utilize. uh, that utilize the flock system. So we Did consider, that utilize the flock system. So we Did consider, you know, I individually did system. So we Did consider, you know, I individually did consider all those things I you know, I individually did consider all those things I can’t speak for every council consider all those things I can’t speak for every council member, but knowing them, can’t speak for every council member, but knowing them, they each in in their own member, but knowing them, they each in in their own way dove into all sides of they each in in their own way dove into all sides of this issue. you know. way dove into all sides of this issue. you know. also draw a little bit of a this issue. you know. also draw a little bit of a parallel that in 2017 the also draw a little bit of a parallel that in 2017 the city of Woodstock was the parallel that in 2017 the city of Woodstock was the second community. in city of Woodstock was the second community. in McHenry County. that second community. in McHenry County. that instituted uh, body McHenry County. that instituted uh, body cameras, uh, on our police instituted uh, body cameras, uh, on our police officers. and we were cameras, uh, on our police officers. and we were kind of on the Cutting Edge officers. and we were kind of on the Cutting Edge of of doing that, it kind of on the Cutting Edge of of doing that, it wasn’t mandated at that of of doing that, it wasn’t mandated at that point. and those turned out wasn’t mandated at that point. and those turned out to be incredibly valuable. point. and those turned out to be incredibly valuable. in uh, in multiple ways. to be incredibly valuable. in uh, in multiple ways. But including you know, if in uh, in multiple ways. But including you know, if there were issues that uh, But including you know, if there were issues that uh, you know, a suspect had in there were issues that uh, you know, a suspect had in an action, they took and you know, a suspect had in an action, they took and we had it on camera that an action, they took and we had it on camera that it really helps with, um, we had it on camera that it really helps with, um, uh, with prosecution and it really helps with, um, uh, with prosecution and that’s a, that’s a uh, with prosecution and that’s a, that’s a positive on the flip side, that’s a, that’s a positive on the flip side, the body cameras actually positive on the flip side, the body cameras actually also. they’re recording the the body cameras actually also. they’re recording the officer. and so if there’s also. they’re recording the officer. and so if there’s issues with the officer, officer. and so if there’s issues with the officer, we have an ability to go issues with the officer, we have an ability to go back and look at that. I we have an ability to go back and look at that. I bring up the body cameras back and look at that. I bring up the body cameras because they were a tech. bring up the body cameras because they were a tech. Technology that we used, because they were a tech. Technology that we used, Um, you know, they weren’t Technology that we used, Um, you know, they weren’t as controversial as flock Um, you know, they weren’t as controversial as flock at that particular time, as controversial as flock at that particular time, but nonetheless, they were at that particular time, but nonetheless, they were pretty new and video-based. but nonetheless, they were pretty new and video-based. Um, and it was it was pretty new and video-based. Um, and it was it was something, you know, that Um, and it was it was something, you know, that we uh, we learned to use something, you know, that we uh, we learned to use and has now become just an we uh, we learned to use and has now become just an invaluable part of, uh, of and has now become just an invaluable part of, uh, of our police force and how we, invaluable part of, uh, of our police force and how we, how we manage, you know, um, our police force and how we, how we manage, you know, um, Public Safety. And, and how we manage, you know, um, Public Safety. And, and when you talk about Public Public Safety. And, and when you talk about Public Safety in Woodstock, what when you talk about Public Safety in Woodstock, what what are your crime Safety in Woodstock, what what are your crime numbers, like, So, our crime what are your crime numbers, like, So, our crime numbers are are very are numbers, like, So, our crime numbers are are very are very low. Um, relative to numbers are are very are very low. Um, relative to we’re. We’re at 6, very low. Um, relative to we’re. We’re at 6, you know, 6 per thousand. we’re. We’re at 6, you know, 6 per thousand. you know, when the uh of you know, 6 per thousand. you know, when the uh of incidents when uh, when the you know, when the uh of incidents when uh, when the national average is incidents when uh, when the national average is something like 33. per national average is something like 33. per thousand residents and even something like 33. per thousand residents and even a a person who spoke thousand residents and even a a person who spoke eloquently the other night a a person who spoke eloquently the other night noted that, you know, eloquently the other night noted that, you know, Woodstock crime statistics noted that, you know, Woodstock crime statistics are low. And that’s, that’s Woodstock crime statistics are low. And that’s, that’s true. We have a great are low. And that’s, that’s true. We have a great police force, you know, true. We have a great police force, you know, we’re a police supporting police force, you know, we’re a police supporting community. um, and you know, we’re a police supporting community. um, and you know, we take actions to, community. um, and you know, we take actions to, you know, to keep the we take actions to, you know, to keep the community safe. What I would you know, to keep the community safe. What I would say is that the, the community safe. What I would say is that the, the ability to have a safe say is that the, the ability to have a safe Community is also driven ability to have a safe Community is also driven by the tools that we give Community is also driven by the tools that we give our our law enforcement by the tools that we give our our law enforcement Officers body cameras are our our law enforcement Officers body cameras are are 1 of those things. Um, Officers body cameras are are 1 of those things. Um, and tools. like what we’re are 1 of those things. Um, and tools. like what we’re doing with the flock video and tools. like what we’re doing with the flock video camera is just another doing with the flock video camera is just another tool. We would much rather camera is just another tool. We would much rather um work to keep our low tool. We would much rather um work to keep our low number. rather than um work to keep our low number. rather than reacting to our crime rate. number. rather than reacting to our crime rate. If there was a spike, by reacting to our crime rate. If there was a spike, by having to do, you know, to If there was a spike, by having to do, you know, to do. bring in having to do, you know, to do. bring in new tools or whatever. do. bring in new tools or whatever. Whatever that might be. new tools or whatever. Whatever that might be. you know, we work to keep Whatever that might be. you know, we work to keep the crime rate low and make you know, we work to keep the crime rate low and make this a great safe the crime rate low and make this a great safe community. Yeah. Um, were this a great safe community. Yeah. Um, were there ever some instances? community. Yeah. Um, were there ever some instances? Um, That, that stay with there ever some instances? Um, That, that stay with you. uh around the state Um, That, that stay with you. uh around the state or throughout the country. you. uh around the state or throughout the country. um, that made this or throughout the country. um, that made this decision easier for you. um, that made this decision easier for you. That that said, like they decision easier for you. That that said, like they could have used this it That that said, like they could have used this it would have helped them. could have used this it would have helped them. yes, I I actually have a a would have helped them. yes, I I actually have a a few of those, so I’ll yes, I I actually have a a few of those, so I’ll speak to an incident that few of those, so I’ll speak to an incident that occurred at at 1 of our speak to an incident that occurred at at 1 of our shopping stores. uh, on New occurred at at 1 of our shopping stores. uh, on New Year’s Eve day, this past shopping stores. uh, on New Year’s Eve day, this past New Year’s, uh, New Year’s Year’s Eve day, this past New Year’s, uh, New Year’s Eve. Um, there was an New Year’s, uh, New Year’s Eve. Um, there was an incident inside of the Eve. Um, there was an incident inside of the store. This was at our incident inside of the store. This was at our Walmart. where a person um store. This was at our Walmart. where a person um lit on fire. Um, a uh, a Walmart. where a person um lit on fire. Um, a uh, a set of baby cribs. they lit on fire. Um, a uh, a set of baby cribs. they used camping. Um, uh, set of baby cribs. they used camping. Um, uh, propane or a liquid from used camping. Um, uh, propane or a liquid from back in another section. propane or a liquid from back in another section. to then light this, back in another section. to then light this, you know, light this fire to then light this, you know, light this fire and this is just this you know, light this fire and this is just this doesn’t happen in and this is just this doesn’t happen in Woodstock. We were, doesn’t happen in Woodstock. We were, you know, pretty horrified Woodstock. We were, you know, pretty horrified by this. And so the you know, pretty horrified by this. And so the you know fortunately nobody by this. And so the you know fortunately nobody was hurt our fire you know fortunately nobody was hurt our fire department police was hurt our fire department police department did a great job department police department did a great job of getting on scene getting department did a great job of getting on scene getting it put out getting everybody of getting on scene getting it put out getting everybody safe. getting was hurt the it put out getting everybody safe. getting was hurt the Walmart employees did a great safe. getting was hurt the Walmart employees did a great job. but the person escaped Walmart employees did a great job. but the person escaped from the initial scene Well, job. but the person escaped from the initial scene Well, Walmart, Walmart, security, from the initial scene Well, Walmart, Walmart, security, cameras, were able to Walmart, Walmart, security, cameras, were able to capture the person. and the cameras, were able to capture the person. and the person’s car, uh, the capture the person. and the person’s car, uh, the alleged suspect, I should person’s car, uh, the alleged suspect, I should make sure I say the alleged alleged suspect, I should make sure I say the alleged suspect’s car. And um, we make sure I say the alleged suspect’s car. And um, we were able to get a color suspect’s car. And um, we were able to get a color and a partial. license plate were able to get a color and a partial. license plate from the, um, uh, from the and a partial. license plate from the, um, uh, from the Walmart. uh, video cameras. from the, um, uh, from the Walmart. uh, video cameras. our detectives then very Walmart. uh, video cameras. our detectives then very quickly. used, uh, the flock our detectives then very quickly. used, uh, the flock license plate readers to quickly. used, uh, the flock license plate readers to enter in the color of the license plate readers to enter in the color of the car and the license plate enter in the color of the car and the license plate portion. that in turn. uh, car and the license plate portion. that in turn. uh, in uh, allowed us the the portion. that in turn. uh, in uh, allowed us the the flock system actually was in uh, allowed us the the flock system actually was then able to identify uh, flock system actually was then able to identify uh, this vehicle within the then able to identify uh, this vehicle within the community and it helped our this vehicle within the community and it helped our officers find the suspect. community and it helped our officers find the suspect. make an arrest. uh, in that officers find the suspect. make an arrest. uh, in that suspect is awaiting trial. make an arrest. uh, in that suspect is awaiting trial. and behind bars. and worth suspect is awaiting trial. and behind bars. and worth noting That the judge and behind bars. and worth noting That the judge actually held that person. noting That the judge actually held that person. Uh, pre-trial. Which is actually held that person. Uh, pre-trial. Which is less common in Illinois Uh, pre-trial. Which is less common in Illinois than it’s been. So, you less common in Illinois than it’s been. So, you know, it was a pretty than it’s been. So, you know, it was a pretty serious situation. and know, it was a pretty serious situation. and without the flock system serious situation. and without the flock system that we have currently without the flock system that we have currently in place, which is not the that we have currently in place, which is not the video cameras, but it’s in place, which is not the video cameras, but it’s a license plate readers. video cameras, but it’s a license plate readers. without that. it’s possible a license plate readers. without that. it’s possible The person may not have without that. it’s possible The person may not have been apprehended or The person may not have been apprehended or apprehended as as quickly. been apprehended or apprehended as as quickly. So in that sense it got apprehended as as quickly. So in that sense it got somebody an alleged suspect So in that sense it got somebody an alleged suspect off the street. um, you know somebody an alleged suspect off the street. um, you know Much More much more off the street. um, you know Much More much more quickly. So that’s a very Much More much more quickly. So that’s a very good example of of how quickly. So that’s a very good example of of how this tool. these tools. good example of of how this tool. these tools. Tools can can be used. I’m this tool. these tools. Tools can can be used. I’m with you on the big, big Tools can can be used. I’m with you on the big, big brother concern in nature with you on the big, big brother concern in nature of this. It does have brother concern in nature of this. It does have that. have that feel but of this. It does have that. have that feel but the reality is that, um, is that. have that feel but the reality is that, um, is that video cameras are very the reality is that, um, is that video cameras are very common tools for law that video cameras are very common tools for law enforcement and you just common tools for law enforcement and you just had, you know, the reporter enforcement and you just had, you know, the reporter on from the, uh, Super had, you know, the reporter on from the, uh, Super Bowl. I mean they have on from the, uh, Super Bowl. I mean they have they have massive security Bowl. I mean they have they have massive security measures there. They’re they have massive security measures there. They’re likely doing facial measures there. They’re likely doing facial recognition. I don’t know likely doing facial recognition. I don’t know that for sure. We are not recognition. I don’t know that for sure. We are not doing facial recognition that for sure. We are not doing facial recognition through the flock cameras. doing facial recognition through the flock cameras. Here we are not doing that through the flock cameras. Here we are not doing that at all. Um but the tools are Here we are not doing that at all. Um but the tools are similar and if it keeps the at all. Um but the tools are similar and if it keeps the Super Bowl safe or the similar and if it keeps the Super Bowl safe or the city of Chicago, safe or Super Bowl safe or the city of Chicago, safe or other public, spots safe. And city of Chicago, safe or other public, spots safe. And if we can do it, with a other public, spots safe. And if we can do it, with a reasonable uh, if we can do it, with a reasonable uh, expect expectation of reasonable uh, expect expectation of security. um, you know, as expect expectation of security. um, you know, as far as usage of that data. security. um, you know, as far as usage of that data. then for the number of far as usage of that data. then for the number of people that visit Woodstock then for the number of people that visit Woodstock um, I think it makes sense. people that visit Woodstock um, I think it makes sense. to uh to to give these um, I think it makes sense. to uh to to give these uh these tools a try.