INKSTER, Mich. Residents who want to weigh in on Inkster's expanding Flock camera network will get a public forum next month, with a member of Congress and a state lawmaker on the program.

Metro Detroit Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is hosting "Get the Flock Out! A Flock and Mass Surveillance Town Hall" on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Inkster. U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and state Rep. Dylan Wegela are listed as featured speakers. The organizers say free food and drinks will be provided.

The event is free and open to the public. The address is shared with people who RSVP, so sign up ahead of time: RSVP for the town hall here.

Town hall at a glance

What: "Get the Flock Out!" community town hall on Flock cameras and surveillance

When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: Inkster (address provided after RSVP)

Speakers: U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and state Rep. Dylan Wegela

Host: Metro Detroit DSA

Cost: Free, with food and drinks

RSVP: metrodetroitdsa.solidarity.tech/ai-surveillance-townhall

What the organizers say

The event page describes the gathering as "an educational community discussion" on how residents can "fight back" against the technology. It says the City Council approved a $2.4 million contract for Flock. That is in line with earlier reporting of roughly $241,000 a year over a 10-year agreement.

The organizers argue the system lets a private company track residents' movements, sell the data and open the door to federal immigration enforcement. Those are the organizers' claims. The city has said its policy limits how the data can be used.

What the city has said

As Inkster Now! reported last week, the city's "Safe City Inkster" expansion increases license plate readers from 6 to 20 and adds 48 gunshot detection sensors, five security cameras and a drone, under a contract that runs to 2036.

Police Chief Tamika Jenkins has said searches require an active investigation and a case number, routine data is deleted after 30 days unless it is needed as evidence, and an audit tool flags possible misuse. Mayor Byron Nolen has described the system as a way of "preventing crime before it happens." The city has promised a public transparency portal in November.

Why Tlaib is involved

Tlaib introduced the Get the Flock Out of Our Communities Act in Congress on Oct. 14, the day after Inkster announced its expansion. The bill would bar federal funding for the technology. It has not passed.

We have asked the city how the expansion is paid for, which would determine whether the federal bill could affect Inkster's cameras. We will report the answer when we get it.

Go and be heard

Whether you support the cameras, oppose them or are still making up your mind, this is a chance to hear from Rep. Tlaib and Rep. Wegela and ask questions in person. RSVP for the Nov. 7 town hall to get the address.

Have a question you want answered? Send it to hello@inksternow.com or through our tips page.

Event details courtesy of Metro Detroit DSA. Sources: Metro Detroit DSA, "Get the Flock Out!" event page; Inkster Now!, Oct. 23, drawing on WDIV Local 4, WXYZ and CBS Detroit.