OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – An Oakland County commissioner is asking his colleagues to hit the brakes on new surveillance technology for a year, just weeks after the board approved a controversial drone pilot program for the sheriff’s office.
Commissioner Charlie Cavell plans to introduce a resolution Thursday (April 30) night that would put a 12‑month moratorium on acquiring or deploying new surveillance tools in the county.
The proposal would also halt the recently approved “Project Prove It” pilot, which would allow Flock Safety drones to assist the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office on certain 911 calls.
“Hundreds of people told me to do it,” Cavell said, describing the response he received after the vote on the Flock program. “So,I feel like it’s my job as a commissioner who’s elected by the people for the 19th District in Oakland County to put this forward and make sure we get it passed.”
The Flock drone initiative was approved earlier this month, 13–4, during a tense board meeting.
The measure passed before public comment, a move that angered some residents who wanted a chance to speak before the vote.
Under the pilot, drones manufactured by Flock Safety would be used to help deputies respond to certain emergency calls, potentially arriving on scene ahead of patrol units and providing aerial video.
Residents who have contacted Cavell, however, say they are worried about how the drones will be used, what they will record, and how long data will be stored.
“I’ve spent a long time being concerned just about our rights for our privacy and data for tech for a long time,” Oakland County resident Sam Garin said. “We don’t really have enough protection on any level in this country for our privacy and data.”
While Cavell said he heard widespread frustration from constituents, not everyone is firmly against the technology itself.
One woman was on the fence.
“It’s kind of a double feeling, it’s hard to say,” said another woman, who lives in Oakland County.
Cavell said his resolution is meant to show residents that their concerns are being taken seriously and to give the board time to revisit how surveillance technology is approved and monitored.
Local 4 reached out to a few other commissioners for comment on this story, and we’re waiting to hear back.