Different Names, Same Result: More Surveillance in Greenwich
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Addressing mounting community concerns about data privacy, Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo provided a statement in his weekly newsletter headlined "No flock cameras in Greenwich." Camillo reassured residents that flock cameras have not been installed on Greenwich's public roads and are not part of the town's school zone speed camera program (which has been on hold since April 2).
The Devil is in the Details
First Selectman Camillo is right to address resident privacy concerns directly, and the "Flock" brand is just an example of a broad range of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) equipment in use.
Flock Cameras (Fixed ALPRs). The Selectman correctly noted that Flock cameras store vehicle details in a cloud database for law enforcement. These Flock units are simply one brand of ALPRs. While Greenwich avoids Flock cameras on town roads, alternative ALPR hardware—like Axis Communications units—operates near Exits 3, 4, and 5 along state-owned I-95.
School Zone Speed Cameras (Blue Line Solutions): Partnered with vendor Blue Line Solutions, these units capture plate photos to issue citations in eight Greenwich school zones. Blue Line defends its speed hardware as "event-aware"—recording only when a vehicle speeds—rather than operating as a 24/7 ALPR log. However, Blue Line also manufactures dedicated ALPR systems. The line between a speed camera and a license plate reader often comes down to software settings.
Police Patrol Cruisers (Mobile ALPRs): LPR technology is far from new here. Greenwich Police have used cruiser-mounted ALPRs (provided by vendors such as ELSAG/Leonardo or Motorola/Vigilant) since 2008, continuously scanning passing plates against state hotlists in real time.
Statewide Pause & Temporary Relief
Governor Ned Lamont recently ordered a statewide review and halt on rolling out new safety camera and fixed ALPR systems. The directive requires a complete inventory of municipal devices, including school zone cameras, work zone devices, fixed ALPRs, and aerial surveillance equipment (such as police drones).
First Selectman Camillo confirmed that the school speed zone cameras remain inactive while the CT Department of Transportation completes its review process. This means drivers will likely avoid operational speed cameras when the school year begins.
Between the Lines: Whether it's on a police cruiser, a highway ramp, a school pole, or a drone, surveillance in Greenwich is steadily growing—no matter what system is employed.