Kalamazoo City Commission Delays Vote on Broad Surveillance Technology Oversight
The Kalamazoo City Commission has postponed a vote on an amendment to its purchasing policy that would require commission approval for contracts involving police surveillance technology. Initially, the proposed amendment focused specifically on Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, mandating commission approval regardless of the contract's dollar amount. However, during the September 8 meeting, commissioners expressed a desire for broader oversight. Vice Mayor Drew Duncan advocated for the policy to cover all law enforcement surveillance technology, including renewals, extensions, and successor vendors, not just new ALPR contracts. Commissioner Chris Praedel highlighted other surveillance tools like video cameras, drones, and gunshot-detection systems, suggesting a more comprehensive term like 'law enforcement surveillance technology.' Commissioner Jae Slaby also raised concerns about potential misuse by city employees outside of law enforcement. The commission ultimately voted 6-1 to postpone ...
