AG Wilson Defends Flock Cameras, Calls for Criminal Penalties for Misuse
Ohio attorney general says license plate readers are identification tools, not surveillance systems
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson is defending law enforcement’s use of Flock automatic license plate reader cameras while calling on state lawmakers to establish criminal penalties for officers who misuse the technology.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Wilson described license plate recognition systems as valuable investigative tools that can help officers identify vehicles connected to crimes, locate suspects and find missing children.
“License plate recognition systems are tools of identification designed to assist in criminal investigations,” Wilson said. “They are not tools of surveillance.”
Flock cameras automatically photograph passing vehicles and record identifying information such as license plates. Law enforcement agencies can search the data when investigating crimes or attempting to locate vehicles of interest.
Wilson said technology has changed how officers protect communities, pointing to body-worn cameras and acoustic gunshot detection systems as additional examples.
“Technology expands peace officers’ reach and helps protect communities, even when an officer is not present,” Wilson said. “Law enforcement has an obligation to use technology that enhances public safety.”
According to Wilson, Flock technology has assisted with thousands of Ohio cases, including investigations involving violent criminals and missing children.
“When used properly, Flock is one of the most valuable tools I have seen in my career,” Wilson said.
However, the attorney general acknowledged that some officers have improperly accessed or used the system. He said several recently publicized cases generated renewed debate over the technology and its potential effect on personal privacy.
Wilson noted that law enforcement agencies discovered the alleged misuse through their own internal auditing procedures.
“Misuse of Flock is rare, and breaches should result in serious consequences,” Wilson said.
The attorney general urged the Ohio General Assembly to criminalize unauthorized use of license plate reader systems, using the state’s law governing the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway as a possible model.
OHLEG is a secure information network used by authorized law enforcement personnel. Unauthorized use of that system can result in a fifth-degree felony charge and the loss of an officer’s badge.
Wilson said that punishment should serve as the baseline for legislation addressing misuse of Flock cameras and similar technology.
“Ohio can, and should, leverage technology that assists law enforcement,” Wilson concluded. “We must do so carefully. And misuse must not be tolerated.”
