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Fairfield County sergeant and city law director update council on Flock camera use and data policy
Summary
Sgt. Strong told Canal Winchester council that Flock cameras have helped solve crimes and locate missing people but that Flock maintains the data; Law Director Thad Bogs said the city's subscription agreement states Flock does not sell customer data. Council sought clarity on auditing and data-sharing practices.
On June 1, Sgt. Strong of the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office briefed Canal Winchester City Council on the department's use of Flock automated license-plate-reading cameras and answered several council questions about transparency and oversight.
Sgt. Strong described Flock cameras as a valuable tool for law enforcement: he cited recent arrests tied to camera leads and said the system also helps locate missing people. "They're a fantastic tool for law enforcement to use," he said, describing cases in which camera data helped break a string of burglaries and locate a vehicle connected to an armed robbery in another county.
When asked about who maintains and audits the data, Sgt. Strong said Flock maintains the data and that the department shares access with other central Ohio agencies as part of mutual-aid investigations. He said he could not answer on the record whether any collected data is sold.
Law Director Thad Bogs told council he reviewed the city's subscription agreement with Flock and stated that, according to that contract, "Flock does not sell customer data or customer generated data for their service." Council members pressed on public awareness and auditability; Sgt. Strong encouraged public awareness efforts and noted the city has discussed the cameras at community events, retreats and with schools.
Council did not take policy action at the meeting but the exchange produced guidance for next steps: staff and council discussed public communications and members asked staff to provide additional information about auditing, data handling and whether a separate oversight or reporting practice should be documented.
