Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson defended Flock Safety license plate readers as "valuable tools," saying misuse is rare but should be penalized.
Wilson, appointed in May to replace outgoing Attorney General Dave Yost
, called on state lawmakers to make misuse of automatic license plate readers at least a fifth-degree felony that would require law enforcement to surrender their badges. That's the current standard if a police officer misuses information in Ohio's police database.The license plate readers, including Flock cameras, have been used to solve crimes and find missing people. But critics say mass surveillance and opportunities for abuse make them problematic tools.
"Ohio can – and should – leverage technology that assists law enforcement.
We must do so carefully. And misuse must not be tolerated," Wilson said in a Sept. 16 statement.
Wilson's comments come as Columbus,Hilliard, Reynoldsburg and Hamilton County either paused or ended use of the controversial law enforcement tool amid concerns about misuse. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have proposed banning the technology altogether in Ohio.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton said she would support a bipartisan ban on the technology. Her opponent, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, has also been critical of Flock cameras, saying they could lead to "Chinese-style surveillance state."
But Wilson defended the technology's use in Ohio.
"When used properly, Flock is one of the most valuable tools I have seen in my career," he wrote. "In Ohio alone, it has helped solve thousands of cases, often by helping law enforcement track down violent criminals and locate missing children."
State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@usatodayco.com or @jbalmert on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio AG wants lawmakers to penalize Flock misuse, defends police tool
