DeKalb Police Signed Flock Safety Contract Before Council Approval
DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd signed a contract for Flock Safety license plate readers before the City Council approved it, public records show. City officials say the contract is valid.
Drivers in DeKalb should know that the city's police department signed a contract for Flock Safety license plate reader cameras before the City Council officially approved the agreement, according to records obtained by Shaw Local News Network. Despite the early signature, city officials maintain the contract is valid.
DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd signed the agreement with Flock Safety on May 4. The DeKalb City Council then voted to approve the contract on June 22. This agreement transitions the city from Genetec to Flock Safety as its vendor for license plate reader cameras.
What does this mean for DeKalb's camera network?
The City Council's approval on June 22 solidified the department's move to Flock Safety. City Attorney Matt Rose stated the contract became legal once the Council ratified the chief's action. Chief Byrd also confirmed the contract was signed with the understanding that Council approval was still required before any further steps could be taken.
Key details of the contract and approval:
- Contract signed by Chief Byrd: May 4
- City Council approval vote: June 22
- Contract duration: Two years
- Contract value: $27,500
- Vote count: 4-1 in favor (one dissenting vote, three absent alderpersons)
This change means DeKalb police now have access to a much larger network of law enforcement agencies that also use Flock Safety. Previously, with Genetec, the department connected with 20 to 25 agencies. With Flock Safety, that network expands to approximately 1,300 police agencies, including those in Elgin, Rockford, and Aurora.
Why did one council member vote no?
Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker cast the sole dissenting vote against the Flock Safety contract. He cited concerns about transparency in the process. Walker stated that he voted no because he believes contracts being signed before council review creates transparency issues for citizens. City Attorney Matt Rose noted that it is not uncommon for city staff to sign agreements prior to council approval, though council action is still necessary to formalize them.
For drivers interested in understanding where these cameras might be located, our live camera map provides updated information on surveillance deployments. The DeKalb Police Department will continue to operate these license plate readers under the terms of the newly approved contract.