BREAKING: Sheriff to cover Trempealeau County’s Flock cameras

Trempealeau County Sheriff Erica Koxlien announced Thursday that she would cover the county’s three Flock Safety cameras, following a recommendation made by the county’s Law Enforcement Committee a day earlier. 

By a 3-2 vote, the Trempealeau County Law Enforcement Committee recommended Koxlien cover the county’s three Flock Safety cameras. Corporation Counsel Susan Fisher told the committee that it could make a recommendation, but the decision was Koxlien’s. 

Koxlien did not say if she would cover the cameras during the meeting, but issued a statement to the Times on Thursday saying she would follow the recommendation while looking at alternatives.

“I respect the county board's action and recognize that this recommendation reflects legitimate concerns within our community regarding the system,” Koxlien said. “I agree with the recommendation from the committee, and we will be going along with it.” 

Koxlien said she believes Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology is a valuable tool for law enforcement. She said that it can be used to assist deputies in locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles connected to crimes, locating missing persons, and helping investigators solve cases more efficiently. 

“I believe strongly in using technology that enhances public safety while respecting the rights and expectations of the communities we serve,” Koxlien said. 

However, she said she has spoken with other sheriffs and police chiefs throughout the state and has concerns regarding the performance, reliability, and overall handling of the Flock ALPR system.

“The public places its trust in law enforcement to use technology responsibly, and that trust cannot be taken for granted,” Koxlien said. “In my view, Flock failed the public, technology did not. The concerns we have experienced are significant enough that I cannot simply ignore the questions about whether the system is meeting the standards our community deserves.”

Koxlien emphasized that she still believes the technology is valuable and is actively researching replacements. 

“That does not mean we are walking away from ALPR technology. Quite the opposite,” Koxlien said. “I am actively looking at alternatives in ALPR technology because I believe this is a valuable law-enforcement tool, and our deputies and community deserve access to technology that is dependable, effective, transparent, and worthy of their trust.”

Koxlien said that alternatives will be carefully considered.

“We owe our community nothing less than the best tools available, coupled with responsible oversight and accountability,” Koxlien said. “I remain committed to finding an ALPR solution that allows our deputies to effectively protect the public while maintaining the confidence and trust of the people we are sworn to serve.”

Read more in next week’s Times.