Dec. 8, 2025

To Waltham Residents,

I want to provide my position on the Flock camera system recently installed at points throughout our city, and to outline the steps I am taking to ensure that this technology is used responsibly, transparently, and with strong safeguards for privacy.

To start, I was one of the sponsors of a resolution specifically to bring the deployment of Flock cameras under City Council review. This resolution directs the Council to consider what policies or ordinances should be adopted to regulate the system and the data it collects. The matter is now before the Ordinance and Rules Committee.

Before that referral, we had both the Chief of Police and the City Solicitor before the Council to ask detailed, technical questions about how the system operates and what safeguards are, or are not, in place. I then submitted a formal set of policy areas that I believe must be addressed. These include:

  • Oversight and access control: Ensuring that any agency with access to Waltham’s data is held to the same strict standards we expect locally

  • Permitted and prohibited uses: Clearly defining when the system may be accessed, and prohibiting any use that would monitor residents or track day-to-day movements.

  • Hotlists: Establishing who may place vehicles on a hotlist, how entries are validated, and how alerts from other jurisdictions are handled.

  • Data rights and federal access: Clarifying what rights the vendor has to our data, how lawful warrants are processed, and whether federal access—including immigration-related requests—is possible under current law.

  • Breach notification: Requiring prompt, transparent notice to the City if there is any improper disclosure or cybersecurity incident.

  • Accuracy and verification: Understanding the system’s misread rates and requiring officers to confirm matches before taking enforcement action.

  • Capabilities and API safeguards: Confirming exactly what these cameras can detect beyond license plates, how API connections are monitored, and whether any technical “back door” access is possible.

  • Data retention, deletion, and storage: Determining where Waltham’s data is stored, how long it is retained, who controls deletion, and what protections exist throughout its lifecycle.

The Ordinance and Rules Committee has formally asked the City Solicitor’s office to draft an ordinance that regulates the City’s use of surveillance technology. This request also includes requiring city departments to obtain approval from the City Council before deploying new surveillance technology, and to publish guidelines on usage and access. Additionally, departments must publish annual reports on any use of surveillance technology.

My position is clear: I support the narrow, intended use of this technology to help solve serious crimes or locate missing persons. I do not support any use that compromises the privacy or safety of our residents. Strong guardrails, strict oversight, and full transparency are essential.

I will continue working to ensure that any use of this system aligns with Waltham’s values and respects both public safety and civil liberties. As this process moves forward, I welcome your questions, concerns, and feedback.

Paul Katz
Waltham City Council, Ward 7