Ohio Attorney General Defends Flock Cameras, Calls For Tougher Penalties On Misuse

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson issued a statement this week defending the use of Flock license plate reader cameras by police departments across the state, including many in Northeast Ohio that rely on the technology. Wilson said the devices remain one of the most useful crime fighting tools available to law enforcement, even as scrutiny of the cameras has grown nationally. What Wilson Said "Law enforcement relies on technology, and Ohioans rely on law enforcement to leverage technology to society's benefit," Wilson said. He added that tools such as body worn cameras and acoustic gunshot detection systems allow officers to do their jobs more safely and effectively. Flock cameras automatically read and log license plates, giving investigators a way to track vehicles connected to crimes. Wilson described the system as a tool of identification rather than a tool of surveillance. "When used properly, Flock is one of the most valuable tools I have seen in my career," he said. According to Wilson, the cameras have helped solve thousands of cases in Ohio, including some involving violent crime and missing children. Addressing Misuse Concerns Wilson acknowledged that a small number of officers have misused the system, and that a few of those cases drew media attention and sparked public debate. He noted that internal auditing by law enforcement agencies themselves identified those problems, not outside investigators. Still, Wilson said misuse should carry real consequences. He is calling on the Ohio General Assembly to make misuse of Flock a criminal offense, similar to existing penalties for abusing other law enforcement databases. As an example, Wilson pointed to unauthorized use of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway, which is currently classified as a felony of the fifth degree. A conviction on that charge requires an officer to surrender their badge. Wilson suggested that standard should be the starting point for any new Flock legislation. Why This Matters Locally Many Northeast Ohio communities have adopted Flock camera systems in recent years as a way to deter crime and assist investigations. Residents in cities that use the technology may be watching closely to see whether state lawmakers take up Wilson's proposal. No legislation has been formally introduced in response to the statement as of this writing.