Mount Vernon advances resolution to end Flock cameras

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

Mount Vernon City Council took a first reading on September 16 on a resolution to end the city's use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras upon contract expiration on October 25. The resolution would also prohibit the city from entering into another ALPR camera contract or allowing any other entity to install such cameras on city property for 12 months following the contract end date. Council scheduled a committee meeting to discuss the resolution before the next full council meeting on September 28.

The Flock cameras use artificial intelligence to record vehicle license plates, details, and location data as vehicles pass the camera locations. The recorded data is shared with participating law enforcement agencies for purposes including locating missing persons, recovering stolen vehicles, and investigating serious crimes. The city's current contract with Flock Group Inc. began at an unspecified earlier date.

Residents have raised privacy concerns about the camera system over several months, with multiple citizens presenting those concerns during recent council meetings. Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers noted that the city recognizes the tension between providing public safety tools and protecting constitutional rights of residents. He stated that when technology advances faster than applicable law, the city should not be the arena to resolve those questions.

The resolution represents a significant shift in the city's surveillance technology policy. Residents can check their own jurisdictions for similar ALPR contracts, noting renewal dates in city council meeting minutes and agendas, and requesting copies of camera surveillance policies and data-sharing agreements with law enforcement.

Read the original reporting: yourohionews.