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Brimfield trustees approve one‑year renewal of Flock camera service at $12,000
Summary
After a discussion about privacy, investigative value and funding, the Brimfield Board of Trustees voted to renew its Flock vehicle‑photography camera service for one year at $12,000; the chief said the system captures license‑plate photos (not facial recognition) and requires a case number for searches.
Brimfield trustees voted June 15 to renew a one‑year contract for Flock Safety vehicle‑photography cameras at a cost of $12,000, after the police chief described how the system is used and the department’s internal controls.
The board’s discussion focused on what the cameras capture, who can access data, and how the renewal will be paid. Police Chief Chris said the system snaps photos of license plates and rear vehicle images, not live video, and that Brimfield limits searches to state‑level access and requires a police report number for every query. “We do not allow immigration searches. We do not partner with any federal government,” Chief Chris said, adding that he audits queries and that Flock flags repeated searches for review.
Trustees pressed for cost detail and funding. Chief Chris said the renewal is $12,000 for the year (about $3,000 per camera) and that the municipality can no longer pay from one of its JED line items per a State Auditor review; he said the department would likely use the law‑enforcement trust fund or another line item. Chair noted the system has helped investigations by locating vehicles outside township borders and provided closure in some cases.
Trustee discussion acknowledged broader public debate about Flock in nearby jurisdictions; one trustee said Kent State and some municipalities had adjusted or canceled similar contracts, and others said the system substantially reduced investigative time in theft and fraud cases. After debate about cost and oversight, the trustees moved, seconded and approved the one‑year renewal by roll call.
The renewal transaction was approved with trustees voting in favor; the chief said staff will confirm the fund source and report back if funding or policy changes are needed. Next steps include finalizing the one‑year contract and posting transparency information on the department’s portal.
