Public Safety Chair, Legislator Eric Alexander to Host Public Flock Forum with DA Parisi and Sheriff Imperati

Dutchess County Legislator and Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Eric Alexander (D-25), announced a public forum on Flock technology with District Attorney Anthony Parisi and Sheriff Kirk Imperati at the Pleasant Valley Town Hall on Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:00PM.

“This event will allow our Sheriff and District Attorney to continue their efforts to inform our communities about their use of Flock technology and will provide our residents with a forum to ask questions and express concerns,” said Legislator Alexander. “We share the goal of providing transparency and engaging proactively with our communities.”

Chair of the Dutchess County Legislature, Yvette Valdés Smith, stated: “The legislature is proud to support and partner with our law enforcement officials to make sure that our communities are safe. We have had many constituents share concerns over the use of Flock and this forum will provide real information and clarity.”

District Attorney Anthony Parisi said, “Sheriff Imperati and I have a responsibility to protect the people of Dutchess County, and we will not hesitate to use effective, lawful technology that helps us identify dangerous offenders, solve crimes, and prevent further victimization. At the same time, we understand that public confidence must be earned. That is why we have approached the ARTCIC initiative proactively and transparently from the outset, with clear safeguards, meaningful oversight, and repeated opportunities for public engagement.”

“We are prepared to answer difficult questions, address legitimate concerns, and correct misinformation where it exists. What we will not do is allow fear or misunderstanding of technology to prevent law enforcement from using responsible tools that make our communities safer. Public safety and civil liberties are both fundamental obligations, and our commitment is to protect both.”

Sheriff Kirk Imperati said, “I, along with District Attorney Parisi, am committed to providing the utmost in public safety to the people of Dutchess County and will use all legal resources at my disposal to accomplish that goal. That being said, we have taken numerous steps to ensure that these tools are used in ways that meet legal guidelines balanced with accountability, and it would be my pleasure to provide more information and answer questions to help ease the concerns that have been raised.”

Chair Valdés Smith continued: “The Dutchess County Legislature is committed to providing oversight, transparency, and responsiveness to all of our citizens and is looking forward to a candid and robust conversation at this forum.”