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Residents press council to audit and ban Flock surveillance cameras
Summary
Speakers from community groups urged Akron City Council to audit and ban Flock Safety cameras, raising concerns about mass surveillance, technical errors, racial bias, and possible federal access to camera data.
Multiple speakers during public comment urged council to investigate and ban Flock Safety license‑plate and street‑facing cameras. Emily Carson, co‑chair of the Akron chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and an Akron Ice Watch Coalition organizer, said the cameras "track law abiding citizens and paint them as criminals due to so called technical error" and asked council to audit camera use for police misuse and immigration enforcement.
Ava Pathka echoed the concern, citing a published study and claiming audits in other jurisdictions showed potential backdoor access by federal immigration authorities, and noting dense camera placement around international grocery stores. Both speakers requested the city sever ties with Flock or impose strict audits and protections. No action was taken at this meeting; their remarks were entered as public comment for council consideration and possible follow‑up by the police oversight body or administration.
