By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Two police officers in Clawson, Michigan, threatened to leave their department after the City Council voted against renewing a contract for license plate reader technology.
• The council’s 3–3 tie vote resulted in nonrenewal of the contract for cameras used to capture rear vehicle license plate images.
• Sgt. Paul Korb said he was considering resigning and School Resource Officer Lindsay Brozich left her badge on the podium during the meeting.
• Residents spoke at length about privacy and data control concerns during the hours-long public meeting.
• The police chief said operational services remain unchanged despite differing views on public safety technology.
CLAWSON, MICH. — Two Clawson police officers threatened to leave the department after the City Council voted last week not to renew the city’s contract for publicly mounted license plate reader (LPR) equipment, officials said.
The council’s motion to renew the contract tied 3–3, resulting in the nonrenewal of the agreement with a vendor that provided LPR cameras at four points in the city, according to local reporting.
During an hours-long council meeting, numerous residents spoke against renewing the contract, raising concerns about privacy and how the collected data would be controlled once captured.
After the vote, Clawson Sgt. Paul Korb told the council he was considering leaving the department over the decision, and School Resource Officer Lindsay Brozich placed her badge on the podium before walking away, according to meeting accounts.
Clawson Police Chief Kellie Bauss said she could not comment on personnel matters but affirmed the department respects the council’s role and remains committed to serving residents.
The LPR technology is used by law enforcement to assist in identifying suspects, locating stolen vehicles and supporting investigations, and is in use by many agencies across Michigan.