CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — After the Guardian broke the news of new security traffic cameras installed in Chillicothe, the Chillicothe Police Department has provided a detailed update on its use of Flock Safety License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras, addressing their deployment, impact, and privacy safeguards. Captain Michael Short, the department’s primary spokesman, shared insights into the program’s progress and its role in enhancing public safety.
“In the last four months, we have successfully deployed 10 out of 12 planned Flock LPR cameras at strategic locations in the city,” Short stated. “These cameras are already having a positive impact on public safety, assisting officers in both proactive and investigative work. One remaining camera is scheduled to be installed soon.”
He did not reveal the locations of the cameras, but one is known to be in the area of East Main Street near Bridge Street.
How Flock Cameras Work
According to Short, the Flock LPR cameras are designed to capture license plate data and vehicle descriptions, including make, model, and color, from passing vehicles. “The information is converted into searchable data that allows law enforcement to receive alerts on vehicles linked to stolen vehicle reports, criminal investigations, missing children or adults, and Amber or Silver Alerts,” he explained. Short noted that the cameras are not used for traffic enforcement and do not issue citations for speeding or red-light violations.
Privacy Protections in Place
Addressing privacy concerns, Short clarified that the cameras do not capture personal information or utilize facial recognition. “The data collected is limited to vehicle-related details, and images are retained for only 30 days unless associated with an active investigation,” he said. “The system is fully compliant with state and federal privacy laws, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only.”
Many departments have transparency pages setup on the Flock website that details statistics and an audit for public view. Chillicothe did not provide a link on Tuesday but said they were in the process of setting up their public portal.
“We are in the early stages of this process with installation and setup; I will send the link when the transparency portal is setup and is ready,” Short added.
Measurable Impact
The department reports significant results from the cameras’ deployment. “In just four months, Flock LPR cameras have contributed to 24 successful outcomes,” Short noted. These include the recovery of stolen vehicles, charges in burglary, theft, and drug trafficking cases, identification of vehicles fleeing crash scenes, and the safe return of missing or suicidal persons. “Since an estimated 70% of crimes involve the use of a vehicle, this tool is proving to be an invaluable asset to our department and the community,” he added.
Cost of the Program
Short also disclosed the financial commitment for the initiative. “The total annual cost for 12 cameras is $40,000, with an additional one-time installation and setup fee of $6,000,” he said. “This investment reflects our department’s commitment to leveraging technology responsibly in order to make Chillicothe safer for all residents.”
Public Criticism and Concerns
Despite the reported successes, the use of Flock cameras has sparked criticism from some community members and privacy advocates. Critics argue that the cameras contribute to a surveillance state, raising concerns about potential misuse of data and lack of transparency. Some residents have expressed unease about the constant monitoring of vehicle movements, even if personal information is not directly collected. Others question the long-term implications of storing vehicle data, even temporarily, and whether it could be accessed by unauthorized parties.
Nationally, Flock Safety has faced scrutiny over its data-sharing practices. Critics point to reports suggesting that Flock’s systems allow law enforcement agencies to share data with other departments across state lines, potentially creating expansive surveillance networks. A 2022 report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) highlighted concerns about Flock’s data retention and sharing capabilities, noting that the company’s policies allow data to be shared with third-party agencies under certain conditions, though no direct evidence of Flock selling data to private third parties was found.
This story has been updated to include a quote about the Flock portal from the police department spokesman.