get the flock out of columbia county
Resisting surveillance culture in Hudson and beyond
Young people care deeply about privacy, policing, artificial intelligence, and surveillance. Together with community partners, SJLA youth have been learning about - and activating against - the presence of Flock cameras in our community. Through collective discussion, shared research, participating in community meetings, and even learning from Kite’s Nest alumni, SJLA youth have developed perspective and joined the movement to refuse Flock. With surrounding towns and counties taking clear action to protect their communities from the dangers of Flock - including breach of privacy and enabling ICE to abduct our neighbors - youth insist that Columbia County take similar measures.
(insert youth quote)
SJLA collaborate with community partners to organize against Flock cameras
“We all deserve to drive to work, to school, and to the doctor without our own government logging every trip. But the Columbia County Sheriff's Office secretly spent over $100,000 to join a national network that tracks every passing car and putting private information about us in the hands of bad actors. Read below to learn more and to join your neighbors taking action to keep our community safe.” - from Get the Flock Out petition page
CALLS TO ACTION: WHAT YOU CAN DO
Sign the petition
Show up to meetings
Follow @kitesnest, @ccsmny, and @hudsoncatskillhousing for real-time updates and calls to action
Sign the petition demanding the following:
1. Columbia County Sheriff's Office immediately end their contract with FLOCK, uninstall the cameras and stop using ALPR technology for mass surveillance.
2. Columbia County Board of Supervisors investigate the use of Flock by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and decline to fund Flock.
3. Local governments in Columbia County (county, village, town and city) pass comprehensive legislation to prohibit the use of Flock and other ALPRs.
“Over the last two months our campaign, along with anti-ALPR campaigns across the country, have grown in size and impact. New Lebanon banned Flock Cameras and the use of most ALPR technology. Greenport announced they are canceling their contract with Flock. And Dutchess County not only canceled their contract, but covered all their cameras so Flock couldn’t continue accessing them. Our county’s use of AI driven mass surveillance must end!”
(insert youth quote)
YOUTH TAKE ACTION AGAINST FLOCK
Emmett quote
Quote about involvement with GTFO and returning to teach/connect with KN youth
Tuesday 11/10 protest
Photo from action and quote from youth who attended
SJLA sessions + action
Photo from poster creation or other project; quote from SJLA participant