(PENSACOLA) --- I told you they would be back.
This Thursday will be the third time residents return to the public podium to demand that the FLOCK contract be terminated.
But this time, they will have a petition from Defensa Gulf Coast.
(Photo: FLOCK Petition)
OpGov.news first report and second report reveal residents’ fear that officials continue to ignore.
Pepper McQuiffins is one of those residents.
She started following the local group that seeks to protect the public from FLOCK surveillance among other issues.
“I think that Defensa has started this fight because they know that this is an issue that has been won in other places,” McQuiffins said, adding that before joining the group, she was unaware of FLOCK cameras locally.”
McQuiffins noted the recent rumor that Mayor D.C. Reeves misappropriated funds to purchase the FLOCK contract here makes the matter even more disturbing, according to McQuiffins, adding that FLOCK is not Defensa Gulf Coast’s only battle.
“They are also keeping eyes on ICE,” McQuiffins said, adding, “FLOCK's collaboration with ICE is absolutely unacceptable.”
The petition describes the same.
“Audit logs from police departments nationwide have shown searches conducted on behalf of agencies like ICE,” the petition reads. “Flock has admitted to pilot programs with Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.”
While the petition notes residents' fears Sheriff Chip Simmons rejects residents' worries regarding ICE and FLOCK’s association.
McQuiffin’s biggest fear is for her child, saying, “I've got a daughter with brown skin and curly hair.”
In January, the Louisville Public Media reported high racial discrimination in surveillance, reporting “local civil liberty advocates told KYCIR that they worry anti-Black bias plays a role in who gets arrested due to license plate readers.”
(Photo: Pixels)
McQuiffins said if she were living in Minnesota with her child at this moment in time, she would keep her home from school due to the terror of ICE in the state.
“My daughter is 16, she's gonna have to deal with this world, and I have to do something,” McQuiffins said, adding that is why she shows up to every meeting. “If we could all just do something, we could maybe have a better future for our children.”
That future begins with taking to the podium and signing her name.
“This is just the beginning of the petition,” McQuiffins said. “Right now we're gonna be going back to the council, and somebody is gonna be letting them know about the numbers on there.”
No matter how long it takes or how many signatures are needed, Defensa Gulf Coast, McQuiffins, and dozens of other residents will not give up.
“We're gonna win this fight,” McQuiffins said.
The petition, which only requires a name and email, is available here for anyone to sign. After signing the petition, it allows residents to leave a comment as seen below.
(Photo: Flock petition comment section)
To sign the FLOCK petition to be presented on Thursday, March 12, simply click here.
Concerned citizens can also email the Reeves at mayorofcityofpensacola.com to demand that the contract, which was not approved by the city council, be terminated.
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