The Aurora City Council has again postponed the planned purchase of a $170,000 drive test scanner for the police department, amid ongoing concerns from officials and residents regarding the equipment’s usage and the supplier’s background. The decision comes after contentious public comments, particularly from former alderman Rick Lawrence, who questioned whether the device could be used for unwarranted surveillance of citizens’ cell phones.
Police officials assert the scanner is intended solely for mapping cell tower coverage to verify location data in investigations. The company set to supply the device, Five Eight Group, has drawn scrutiny due to its founder Michael Pezzelle’s controversial past, including involvement in violent incidents during his tenure in law enforcement. This latest vote marks a continuation of delays that began when the purchase was first proposed in May, with council members stressing the need for further review before proceeding.
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