April 30, 2025 to August 2025
Dear Members of the Scarsdale Board of Trustees,
We are writing as concerned Scarsdale residents regarding your recently disclosed plans to implement a mass surveillance system in our Village, which reportedly would include license plate readers (LPRs) and drone-based monitoring technologies.
While we support responsible efforts to ensure public safety, we are deeply concerned about the broad and lasting implications of deploying such a surveillance system without having had a transparent and inclusive process that engages residents of Scarsdale, all of whom will be affected by this surveillance. Systems of this scale have the potential to alter the relationship between residents and local government very significantly, with lasting impacts on privacy, civil liberties, and public trust.
The introduction of these types of powerful surveillance tools should be accompanied by robust community dialogue, clearly defined policy safeguards, and transparent oversight mechanisms. These steps are not merely procedural; they are foundational and critical to democratic governance and responsible stewardship of public power and taxpayer funds.
We respectfully urge the Board of trustees to:
- Pause implementation of any surveillance infrastructure until a thorough and transparent community engagement process has been completed. We would strongly urge you to hold a forum for a public discussion, including privacy impact assessments and independent expert testimony.
- Disclose all funding sources, grant applications, and program details related to this initiative.
- Develop and adopt clear policy frameworks that define the scope, purpose, and limitations of any surveillance technologies considered.
We believe it is vital that Scarsdale residents have a meaningful voice in shaping policies that affect our collective safety, rights, and freedoms. We thank you for your volunteerism on the Board and for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response and the opportunity for transparent and participatory communication on this very important issue.
Sincerely,
Recent Articles and Opinion Pieces About About the Flock Safety Surveillance Technology in Scarsdale
In a Village Without a Newspaper, a Small Digital Outlet Is Keeping Tabs and Asking Questions
Millions in Public Funds; Zero Public Input
Residents Express Mixed Emotions Over New Proposed Flock Safety Partnership
We Won’t Be Flocked Again: Mayor Postpones Surveillance Plans
What the Flock is Going on At Scarsdale Village Hall?
Please Pause the Flock Contract
Privacy vs. Policing: Scarsdale Surveillance Contract With Flock Reflects National Debate
Village Board Unmoved By Public Outcry Over Surveillance Technology
Comments: Village Board Violated the Spirit, if not the Letter of the Open Meetings Law
Scarsdale Police Issue General Orders for Use of Cameras, License Plate Readers and Drones
New Surveillance Stokes Fear in Scarsdale
Does Scarsdale Village Want to be Associated with Flock Safety?
The Risks vs. Rewards of Surveillance
Unanswered Questions About Scarsdale’s Surveillance System
Mayor Vows to Improve Transparency and Responds to Questions About Proposed Surveillance System
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
May 10, 2025
Reached 100 supporters
May 1, 2025
93 Comments
Why do we need drone surveillance in Scarsdale at all? If we do then shouldn’t it be under the oversight of SPD? Why is Flock recurring annual expenses so high? This seems aggrejous pricing for an u clear community benefit - we’re competitive quotes sought and transparent pricing pursued? If so where are the results?
Recognizing that such a system could be useful in public safety, I share the concern that a robust public dialogue did not occur before a vote on its implementation. I agree that further dialogue and engagement should take place to alleviate the concerns expressed by Village residents.
This initiative seems very rushed and was poorly noticed to the public, which has yet to be provided any information about the grant for which Scarsdale applied or the proposed contract with Flock Safety. We need to slow our roll here. There is no rush, nor should there be on something so important.
Scarsdale is exceptionally safe. We do not need a networked surveillance system. Especially one run by a company that voluntarily gives information to ICE and DHS.
This is not a decision that should be made behind closed doors by a few trustees. I'm surprised and disappointed by the way this issue has been handled by the town. We need full disclosure and answers to the many questions that have been raised about implementing such a plan.
Do not support this !
No issue with adding safety measures but process must follow proper protocols.
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April 30, 2025 to August 2025
Dear Members of the Scarsdale Board of Trustees,
We are writing as concerned Scarsdale residents regarding your recently disclosed plans to implement a mass surveillance system in our Village, which reportedly would include license plate readers (LPRs) and drone-based monitoring technologies.
While we support responsible efforts to ensure public safety, we are deeply concerned about the broad and lasting implications of deploying such a surveillance system without having had a transparent and inclusive process that engages residents of Scarsdale, all of whom will be affected by this surveillance. Systems of this scale have the potential to alter the relationship between residents and local government very significantly, with lasting impacts on privacy, civil liberties, and public trust.
The introduction of these types of powerful surveillance tools should be accompanied by robust community dialogue, clearly defined policy safeguards, and transparent oversight mechanisms. These steps are not merely procedural; they are foundational and critical to democratic governance and responsible stewardship of public power and taxpayer funds.
We respectfully urge the Board of trustees to:
- Pause implementation of any surveillance infrastructure until a thorough and transparent community engagement process has been completed. We would strongly urge you to hold a forum for a public discussion, including privacy impact assessments and independent expert testimony.
- Disclose all funding sources, grant applications, and program details related to this initiative.
- Develop and adopt clear policy frameworks that define the scope, purpose, and limitations of any surveillance technologies considered.
We believe it is vital that Scarsdale residents have a meaningful voice in shaping policies that affect our collective safety, rights, and freedoms. We thank you for your volunteerism on the Board and for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response and the opportunity for transparent and participatory communication on this very important issue.
Sincerely,
Recent Articles and Opinion Pieces About About the Flock Safety Surveillance Technology in Scarsdale
In a Village Without a Newspaper, a Small Digital Outlet Is Keeping Tabs and Asking Questions
Millions in Public Funds; Zero Public Input
Residents Express Mixed Emotions Over New Proposed Flock Safety Partnership
We Won’t Be Flocked Again: Mayor Postpones Surveillance Plans
What the Flock is Going on At Scarsdale Village Hall?
Please Pause the Flock Contract
Privacy vs. Policing: Scarsdale Surveillance Contract With Flock Reflects National Debate
Village Board Unmoved By Public Outcry Over Surveillance Technology
Comments: Village Board Violated the Spirit, if not the Letter of the Open Meetings Law
Scarsdale Police Issue General Orders for Use of Cameras, License Plate Readers and Drones
New Surveillance Stokes Fear in Scarsdale
Does Scarsdale Village Want to be Associated with Flock Safety?
The Risks vs. Rewards of Surveillance
Unanswered Questions About Scarsdale’s Surveillance System
Mayor Vows to Improve Transparency and Responds to Questions About Proposed Surveillance System
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
May 10, 2025
Reached 100 supporters
May 1, 2025
93 Comments
While I support stronger security measures, I’d love to know that the community is involved in the process, transparency in the company we hire to install said surveillance and privacy is guaranteed for our residents.
Why do we need drone surveillance in Scarsdale at all? If we do then shouldn’t it be under the oversight of SPD? Why is Flock recurring annual expenses so high? This seems aggrejous pricing for an u clear community benefit - we’re competitive quotes sought and transparent pricing pursued? If so where are the results?
Recognizing that such a system could be useful in public safety, I share the concern that a robust public dialogue did not occur before a vote on its implementation. I agree that further dialogue and engagement should take place to alleviate the concerns expressed by Village residents.
This initiative seems very rushed and was poorly noticed to the public, which has yet to be provided any information about the grant for which Scarsdale applied or the proposed contract with Flock Safety. We need to slow our roll here. There is no rush, nor should there be on something so important.
Scarsdale is exceptionally safe. We do not need a networked surveillance system. Especially one run by a company that voluntarily gives information to ICE and DHS.
This is not a decision that should be made behind closed doors by a few trustees. I'm surprised and disappointed by the way this issue has been handled by the town. We need full disclosure and answers to the many questions that have been raised about implementing such a plan.
Do not support this !
No issue with adding safety measures but process must follow proper protocols.
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While I support stronger security measures, I’d love to know that the community is involved in the process, transparency in the company we hire to install said surveillance and privacy is guaranteed for our residents.