Easthampton Committee Hears Flock Camera Data Was Shared 4.2 Million Times Externally

EASTHAMPTON — July 7, 2026 — Easthampton Public Safety Committee hears allegations of 4.2 million unauthorized Flock camera data searches and receives a wide-ranging fire department report. Resident Michael Lynch told the committee that public records requests revealed 4.2 million searches of the city's Flock Safety license plate reader data by outside organizations since January 2025, contradicting prior assurances from city officials that the data was not being shared externally; he also alleged that required internal protocols under Police Department Policy 1.19 were never created and that one entry in the audit logs — "Flock City PD Law Enforcement Demo," 82 searches — may represent Flock Safety's own marketing department. Chair Nathan Marquis confirmed a removal request has been submitted to Flock Safety but that the cameras have not yet been confirmed as removed. Fire Chief Morris reported all five firefighters who sat for the state lieutenant promotional exam passed, with five positions to be reclassified effective August 26 at no additional budget impact, and announced FY2026 fire and EMS revenue of approximately $1.56 million — roughly $130,000 above the prior year — with ambulance transport billing of $1,427,780 as the largest component. The department has applied for Assistance to Firefighters Grants totaling $1.17 million for cardiac monitors and a new engine.