Surveillance in Syracuse

Technological advances over the last decade have transformed the surveillance camera: Traditionally, a human was required to review recorded video and gather any relevant information. Today, tools like license plate readers and AI-enabled cameras are able to automatically process visual data as part of an expanding and searchable surveillance network. Over the past two years, Reporter Patrick McCarthy has been tracking how modern surveillance technology is being used by Syracuse Police. In 2025, he revealed that Syracuse driver data captured by the city’s Flock Safety cameras was being inadvertently shared with thousands of departments across the country - a revelation that led to the termination of the city’s contract with Flock Safety and signing a new agreement with Axon. In this episode, Patrick takes listeners inside the growing public debate over this technology, the ways its being used locally, and what we know so far about its impact on crime and safety. Related reading: Federal immigration agents accessed Syracuse drivers’ data through secret Flock Safety deal https://centralcurrent.org/federal-immigration-agents-accessed-syracuse-drivers-data-through-secret-flock-safety-deal/ Flock Safety removes its license plate readers, finalizing eight-month breakup with City of Syracuse https://centralcurrent.org/flock-safety-removes-its-license-plate-readers-finalizing-eight-month-breakup-with-city-of-syracuse/ Axon license plate readers go live in Syracuse. State legislator calls it ‘a constant, warrantless surveillance system’ https://centralcurrent.org/axon-license-plate-readers-go-live-in-syracuse-state-legislator-calls-it-a-constant-warrantless-surveillance-system/ Get The Flock Out https://www.aclu.org/campaigns-initiatives/get-the-flock-out Flock's Cameras Remain Civil Liberties Threat Despite Updates https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/despite-new-updates-flocks-creepy-cameras-remain-major-civil-liberties-threat Editor’s Note: This podcast reflects the opinions and perspectives of the host and guests and is not a product of our editorial staff, including Central Current’s editors and reporters. The program may be edited in post-production for length and clarity.