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Dear Editor,

As a lifelong registered Democrat, I was very disappointed by Tiffani McGinnis’s response to concerns about Flock cameras at the recent debate between the candidates for state representative in the 18th District.

Earlier this year, Councilor McGinnis gave a speech at the Free America Walkout about the incompatibility of oppression and democracy, responding to ICE crackdowns on immigrants and protesters in Minnesota. I appreciated her willingness to speak out. But those concerns should also extend to the surveillance tools being used here in West Hartford.

Flock cameras collect information about vehicles and their movements, raising serious questions about privacy, government access to data, and the potential impact on vulnerable communities. Residents have raised these concerns with town leaders and asked for a public discussion.

To his credit, Republican candidate Philip Tummescheit has called for something residents have been asking for: an open hearing on Flock cameras. At the 18th District debate, he said he had heard from many residents who opposed the cameras. He also said he would support legislation allowing residents to petition for a ballot measure on whether their movements around town should be tracked.

Councilor McGinnis said the cameras help investigate serious crimes and acknowledged people’s concerns. But instead of calling for a public hearing or taking a clear position on West Hartford’s use of the cameras, she suggested that the state legislature review the Police Officer Standards and Training Council’s recommendations and consider stricter standards or limits.

That is a meaningful difference. Mr. Tummescheit is calling for residents to be heard and potentially have a vote. Councilor McGinnis is looking to the legislature to consider what standards or limits might be appropriate. Meanwhile, the cameras remain in use, and residents are still waiting for a public debate.

As a member of West Hartford’s Public Safety Committee, Councilor McGinnis has an opportunity to push for that discussion now. Will she support a public hearing? Does she believe residents should have a say in whether these cameras are used? And does she support their continued use under the town’s current practices?

Town leaders should also explain the evidence behind their support for Flock cameras. An Atlanta Community Press Collective analysis of FBI data found that Atlanta’s crime clearance rates did not meaningfully increase from 2021 to 2025, despite a major expansion of the city’s surveillance camera network, which includes Flock cameras.

The evidence deserves scrutiny – not just assurances that the cameras work. If West Hartford’s leaders believe they improve public safety, they should share the data and studies supporting that conclusion. They should also respond to the outstanding Freedom of Information requests for Flock-related data, some of which have been pending for many months.

This should not be a partisan issue. It is a question of transparency, accountability, and whether the people whose movements are being tracked get a voice in the decision. Philip Tummescheit has put forward a constructive approach, and I hope West Hartford Republicans will join him in calling for a public hearing and a meaningful opportunity for residents to be heard. I also urge Councilor McGinnis and the town’s Democratic leaders to do the same. West Hartford deserves an honest debate about whether these cameras belong in our community.

Arman Haidari
West Hartford