Springfield already said no to warrantless mass surveillance cameras. It sounds like Jill Cuadros wants to bring them back.

On Sept. 17, at the Springfield City Council candidate forum, I listened to Cuadros, the city councilor appointed to fill the Ward 4 seat, describe the Springfield she would build. As a 19-year-old Springfield resident, it isn’t one I’d want to grow old in.

Asked about automated license-plate reader cameras, Cuadros admitted that the controversial vendor Flock Safety “struggles to maintain confidentiality.” But then she said she supports “public safety in whichever way we need it,” and that with “good controls … that information is necessary.” 

Springfielders already said no to warrantless mass surveillance. Last year, police put up two-dozen Flock cameras. After months of intense public pushback due to privacy and data concerns, the cameras were finally taken down.

But the police department said canceling the Flock contract “does not represent a shift away from ALPR technology itself.” The next license-plate reader camera brand is coming. The question is when, and who is on the council when it arrives. In November, the choice is ours. 

“Good controls” is what every city believes it has. But the Institute for Justice has already cataloged more than 200 instances of ALPR abuse, including romantic stalking, wrongful stops and detentions and other types of misconduct. At least 150 U.S. communities have now rejected, canceled or deactivated these cameras. Springfield shouldn’t have to do this a second time!

The councilor who votes on the next camera contract has to be someone who sees the danger of mass surveillance and is willing to stand up and say no. Callee Ackland is that person. She spent four years as a Navy cryptologic technician, so she knows exactly what can be done with a government database of people’s movements, and she’s the candidate saying Springfield shouldn’t build one.

“Rooted here” is Cuadros’ slogan. I’m rooted here too, and I want to stay here. That’s why I’m voting for Callee Ackland. Register to vote by Oct. 13. Ballots go out the following day. Vote for Callee Ackland by Nov. 3.

Devon Lawson
Springfield