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Residents demand removal of Flock ALPR cameras, release of audit logs; commissioners call for timeline
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Dayton City Commission to remove Flock license‑plate cameras and publish audit logs after disclosures that reads were shared with immigration and federal partners; commissioners asked staff for a firm timeline and said DPD will coordinate with public works to cover cameras as an interim step.
A dominant theme of public comment at the May 20 Dayton City Commission meeting was a demand for removal of Flock automated license-plate reader (ALPR) cameras and immediate production of audit logs showing who accessed city data.
Speakers from immigrant-rights, faith-based and neighborhood groups described anxiety and practical harms after learning that Dayton’s ALPR reads had been shared with outside agencies, including federal immigration enforcement partners in other jurisdictions. Kathleen Kersh of the Coalition on Public Protection urged the commission to “take down the cameras and cancel the contract” and argued the audit logs are public records under Ohio law. Yousef Alzain referenced a recent mass shooting in San Diego and said the existence of robust camera networks raises questions about whether surveillance tools make communities safer or increase risks to vulnerable people.
Other speakers — including faith leaders, business advocates and neighborhood residents — added accounts of fear among immigrant workers, requests for testing and cleanup at a recent burned market site, and broader concerns about over‑policing and unequal enforcement across neighborhoods.
Commissioners responded in public. Commissioner Beckham said she joined colleagues in requesting the cameras be taken down and requested staff define what “suspended” means operationally. Commissioner Shaw said he supported removal and asked for routine updates. Commissioner Joseph urged a firm timeline and thanked community members for their input.
City staff reported DPD and public works discussed an interim measure to “bag” (cover) cameras to prevent collection during a suspension; staff said they would work to provide a public timeline for removal and for production of the audit logs. Commissioners asked for a public communication once dates are set. Several public commenters also called for further accountability measures — including termination of the city manager — while others asked for more community investments and youth programming to address root causes.
What to watch next: The community has requested a date certain for camera removal, the audit logs that show access and queries, and formal cancellation of the contract with the vendor. Staff have been asked to provide a timeline and to confirm whether cameras are currently recording while the program is suspended.
Sources: Dozens of public comments and commissioners’ statements recorded in the May 20 meeting minutes and public‑comment record.
