Monroe removes all 24 Flock Safety cameras

23 September 2026. [AI first draft. Verify every fact against the source before publishing.]

Monroe City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to remove all 24 Flock Safety cameras from the city and terminate its contract with the company. All five council members voted in favor of the ordinance, which takes effect immediately. The police chief confirmed that all cameras within city limits will be shut off and the contract terminated, though Flock retains responsibility for physically removing the hardware.

The vote followed public comment from residents divided on the technology's merits. Exactly half of those who spoke opposed keeping the cameras, while the other half supported them, citing safety benefits in responding to crimes such as kidnapping. Council members noted that those dissatisfied with the outcome retain the right to pursue a referendum under city process.

Residents have 30 days to collect signatures equal to 35% of the number of electors who voted in the most recent gubernatorial election. If that threshold is met, the ordinance can be placed before voters for final decision. This provision reflects Ohio law allowing citizens to challenge municipal ordinances through direct democratic action.

Readers in other communities can check their city council or county commission agendas for any scheduled votes on Flock or automated license plate reader contracts, review renewal dates for existing agreements, and determine what signature thresholds would apply to any referendum effort in their jurisdiction.

Read the original reporting: fox19.com.