The City Council’s 6-5 vote Tuesday night to pause the use of Flock cameras in Lowell led to a back and forth between the company and Mayor Erik Gitschier Thursday morning. (Both letters are published in their entirety, below)
In a letter addressed to the Mayor’s office and shared with InsideLowell by Mayor Gitschier, Flock’s Chief Legal Officer Dan Haley asserted that “nothing in that limited license gives flock the right to sell Lowell’s data – which, again, we do not do.”
In his response to Haley, Gitschier indicated that residents have every right to raise legitimate questions about the company’s business model and wrote “we stand by our statement that Flock generates revenue in connection with data collected through its camera system.”
The use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and the United States has become a red-hot political and ideological battle, with more than 30 Bay State communities cancelling, suspending our declining to renew their contracts with Flock over privacy concerns.
Proponents of ALPRs argue they are a valuable tool and assist law enforcement in securing public safety. Earlier this year, a Flock camera in Lowell helped identify the driver in a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 29-year old woman along Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell.
The morning following the Lowell City Council vote, Police Superintendent Greg Hudon joined the Daily Pulse Podcast for a lengthy discussion about the issue and its use as a public safety took in the Mill City.
7 responses to “Flock Denies Selling Lowell Data – Mayor Stands by Statement”
Losing Flock is a great loss to the law abiding citizens of Lowell!
The Mayor stand by his statement? Seriously? If he a Mayor for the people take them down! Now! Stop talking and do it and your job.
He’s a clown, trying to buy favor with the Lowell liberals. He is more afraid of losing his council seat than doing the right thing for Lowell. Worst mayor ever.
Regarding Flock, while I fully believe in “citizen power” and “resident questions” at the local level, or any level for that matter, that advocacy has to include ALL of the local decision-makers. The Lowell City Council is the ultimate decision-maker, but a successful local process absolutely must include and require involving the City Manager and the Police Chief as well.
Yes, the City Council controls the budget, but the City Manager approves the contract and the Police Chief dictates the actual police department policies, like data retention limits and sharing rules. By engaging all three, the residents can be well assured that the City Council is providing and including the citizens input and oversight, while the administration ensures operational transparency and the very important community protections.
Because in understanding and adhering to Lowell’s “Plan E” governmental structure, that’s how we should all be moving forward. Together, collaboratively and constructively. That’s the blueprint!
Speaking of the current mayor, Mr. Gitschier, and what went on at the recent past Zoning Board mtg.(9/22/26), I feel compelled to comment, in the name of fairness, on the resignation(forced?) of the 13 years dedicated volunteer public service of Attorney Sean Callahan.
So Attorney Callahan resigned because he refused to let bully political pressure, and blatant intimidation rule how he votes! When the current sitting “mayor” Gitschier, and former long time city councilor Curtis Lemay stated that they were in essence protecting the neighborhood, it was actually a master class in political hypocrisy, because they did not let the INDEPENDENT zoning board do its job. Instead, they decided to flex their political muscles.
Attorney Callahan was absolutely within his right to not let bully political pressure and intimidation dictate how he votes, stood his ground and voted his conscience! So what happened next? The “mayor” used a term expiration as a political weapon to force out a 13 year long serving volunteer professional. The message is clear, either fall in line with the “mayor”, or face retaliation!
Typo Alert: The Zoning Board meeting I was referring to was held on 9/14/26, NOT 9/22/26.
In addition, Regarding the “political chess match” mentioned here: https://richardhowe.com/2026/10/04/lowell-politics-october-4-2026/, with INDEPENDENT city boards, Manager Golden can simply put Attorney Callahan’s name forward again in a formal reappointment letter and have it placed on the agenda as a voting item. The Lowell City Councilors can then vote to accept or reject the appointment.
But, PLEASE keep in mind that Attorney Callahan has served for over 13 exemplary, honorable and distinguished years on the Zoning Board, is experienced, extremely knowledgeable and is currently the Vice-Chairman. Zoning Boards deal with highly technical state laws (like MGL Chapter 40A) and complex local zoning ordinances, so the city can’t afford legal errors.
PLEASE, also keep in mind, that delays in an appointment throws a massive wrench into the economic gears and growth of city business. This is because very crucial and critical multi-million dollar developments and variance petitions require firm super-majorities to pass. Operating with a sudden vacancy risks stalling high-stakes projects, delaying vital approvals, and grinding important city business to an economic halt.
This ultimately hurts the hardworking taxpayers by delaying vitally needed construction jobs, freezing the creation of new housing, and keeping new commercial properties off the tax rolls. When the city’s tax base cannot grow, the financial burden of funding schools, roads, public safety and public services falls squarely on the shoulders of the hardworking taxpayers!