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Sandusky approves 10 license-plate readers from Flock despite resident privacy and immigration concerns
Summary
The Sandusky City Commission voted June 23 to authorize the purchase and installation of 10 license-plate recognition cameras from Flock Safety. Supporters, including law enforcement and a tourism group, said the system aids investigations; some residents raised concerns about long-term costs and potential use by federal immigration authorities.
The Sandusky City Commission on June 23 approved an agreement with Flock Group Inc. (doing business as Flock Safety) to purchase and install 10 license-plate recognition (LPR) cameras for the Sandusky Police Department.
Commissioners voted in favor of the ordinance under the city's emergency rules. Supporters described the cameras as a law-enforcement investigative tool that can quickly link vehicles to crimes; opponents in public comment asked for details on costs, data retention and who would have access to images and alerts.
Larry Fletcher, representing the Erie County Visitors Convention Bureau and the tourism partnership Shores and Islands Ohio, said the organization had been asked earlier about providing funding and that the group was concerned about taking funds away from marketing. "This is an important investment for sure," Fletcher said, while also noting his board had tabled an immediate funding decision and wanted further conversation with the city and county.
Residents raised several concerns during public comment. One resident, who identified herself as Luz Flores and said she and her mother own a Latin American grocery store in a Sandusky plaza, said recent immigration enforcement actions had made members of the Latino community fearful. "They're afraid to come out of their house," Flores said, asking who would have access to camera data and whether that information could be used by federal immigration authorities.
Police leadership and supportive commissioners said safeguards are in place and described the cameras as an investigative tool. During the meeting the chief said that data is retained for a limited period and that "Everything's deleted from the system from there." He described cases where LPR data helped identify a vehicle and suspect within hours and said the system is widely used by neighboring agencies.
Other speakers asked about long-term operating costs. A resident who identified themself as West Poole asked for a plan showing camera locations, intended problems they would solve and the expected recurring fee; he said he understood an annual renewal could be roughly $30,000 per year. City staff did not provide a line-item cost in the ordinance presentation; the final agreement and contract terms will be on file with the city manager's office.
Commissioner Murray said many of the privacy concerns raised a decade ago have been addressed and expressed support for the cameras as an investigative tool. After discussion the commission approved the ordinance authorizing the manager to enter into the agreement with Flock Safety; the measure took effect immediately in accordance with the city charter.
The ordinance authorizes the city manager to execute the agreement with Flock Group Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia, to install 10 LPR cameras for the Sandusky Police Department. The city will publish contract terms in its official records; residents requesting more information were directed to contact the police department and city manager's office.
