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Residents and commissioners press for immediate halt to Flock cameras after wave of public opposition
Summary
Dozens of Dayton residents urged the City Commission to remove Flock cameras and automated license plate readers, and Commissioner Beckham said the commission is exploring temporary “bagging” of cameras to stop data collection and asked staff for a public timeline.
Dozens of residents used the public-comment period at the May 20 Dayton City Commission meeting to demand removal of Flock cameras and automated license plate readers, arguing the devices threaten privacy and trust in city government.
The public-comment session included 23 speakers who repeatedly criticized the cameras. Residents cited concerns about civil liberties, surveillance of neighborhoods, and a lack of clear public communication on how data were used. Several speakers echoed each other’s calls to remove the cameras immediately rather than delay action.
Commissioner Beckham responded to the comments, saying the commission is "looking into putting bags over the Flock cameras to ensure no data is collected" and requested a public timeline from staff for when that step could occur. The statement represented the most concrete, near-term action discussed at the meeting; no formal motion to remove cameras or a binding timetable was introduced during the session.
Commissioner Shaw acknowledged the "significant disappointment and distrust" expressed in the public comments, invited residents to city-sponsored outreach and resources, and emphasized the need for clearer communication. Mayor Turner-Sloss likewise asked for additional public messaging about camera removal and thanked staff and community leaders for their responsiveness.
The transcript shows the public outcry was a dominant theme of the meeting’s public-comment period and prompted multiple commissioners to commit to follow-up. The commission did not vote on an ordinance or formal policy change regarding Flock cameras during the meeting; any removal, covering, or policy revision remains subject to staff timelines, future commission action, or further public process.
What happens next: Commissioner Beckham requested a public timeline for the proposed bagging step. The meeting record does not record a commitment to a vote or a specific removal date; the commission’s next procedural step will depend on staff recommendations and any formal agenda items placed for a future meeting.
