The Appleton Police Department is squashing some rumors regarding a new resolution surrounding the use of new technology.
Resolution 9-R-26 “ensures that Automated License Plate Reader (“ALPR”) technology and/or other automated mass surveillance/data collection tools using artificial intelligence for analysis used by the Appleton Police Department are properly reviewed prior to the Common Council approving a trial/contract.”
Since its passage, residents have been vocal about their concerns, and speculation began.
The Appleton Police Department explained that the resolution “is not a vehicle to approve, fund, or direct the acquisition of any specific technology or vendor. Any future proposal involving automated license plate readers, AI-assisted technology, or any other significant public safety technology would be subject to established City procurement processes, policy review, and oversight by the Common Council before implementation.”
They also noted that the Department has not “sought a contract with Axon, nor has it initiated or recommended replacing Flock Safety with Axon. Any suggestion that the department is actively pursuing such a contract is inaccurate.”
The department reiterated its commitment to “being transparent with elected officials and the public,” and added, “We appreciate the interest residents and elected officials have shown in this issue and welcome continued dialogue based on accurate information.”
