SMYRNA, Ga. — The City of Smyrna is creating a new oversight task force focused on how the city uses surveillance technology.
The city council recently gave the greenlight for a Public Safety Technology Task Force. The eight-member group will conduct a review of how Smyrna uses automated license-plate readers, public safety cameras and drones.
The task force will examine the ways Smyrna uses technology like what Flock Safety provides.
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The eight-member group will also have to make policy recommendations and proposals for safeguards to provide the Mayor and Smyrna City Council.
According to documents from the city, not all uses of these surveillance technologies by the Smyrna Police Department would be included in the review.
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Still, the city council documents show the task force would focus on public safety benefits and privacy concerns.
“The task force would examine the public-safety benefits, effectiveness of these tools, as well as the City’s policies and practices governing privacy, data access and retention, information sharing, cybersecurity, auditing and accountability,” the records show.
The task force would also be responsible for taking in resident concerns and input, as well as serving in an advisory capacity.
The task force would not be able to change or end existing city contracts, such as one with Flock Safety for its cameras and license plate readers.
Instead, the task force would provide recommendations about implementation, oversight and future use of the surveillance technology, as well as contractual obligations related to them.
Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton released a statement after the task force was passed unanimously in council, saying:
“Our residents deserve to be heard, and we want to make sure their questions and concerns about public safety technology continue to receive thoughtful consideration. The Public Safety Technology Task Force will provide an opportunity for residents, community leaders and City staff to examine how these tools are being used and identify ways to strengthen data privacy, evaluate its benefits, and review accountability guardrails. We know these technologies can play an important role in keeping our community safe, and we also have a responsibility to ensure they are implemented with the appropriate protocols. This task force is about listening, learning from other communities and making recommendations that reflect the values of Smyrna residents and the City’s commitment to strong public safety standards.”
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