Licking County Commissioners Face Public Scrutiny Over Flock Surveillance Camera Contract
Licking County Commissioners are facing increasing public pressure regarding their contract for Flock license plate surveillance cameras, despite stating they have no immediate plans for a community town hall. Residents voiced significant concerns at a recent meeting on November 12, highlighting privacy issues and potential constitutional problems associated with the technology. Newark resident Daniel McKee emphasized the inherent limits on government surveillance for a free people, noting that many municipalities and police departments across the U.S. are recognizing the constitutional implications of such systems. The Flock Safety cameras, which are automated license plate readers and vehicle surveillance systems, have been in use since 2017, with over 120,000 cameras linked nationwide. In Licking County, the Sheriff’s Office manages approximately 60 cameras, with additional cameras operated by local police departments. Concerns have escalated due to instances of misuse by law enforcement officers in cen...
