Just days after Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced new protocols for how Columbus police can use Flock cameras, a member of city council has announced plans to establish safeguards governing the surveillance technology.
Emmanuel Remy, chair of council's Public Safety committee, said he met with city leaders last week to discuss potential changes to city code governing the use of the automated license plate camera technology.
"Those policy changes are meaningful. But as I've said throughout this process, I believe certain protections should also be codified into law. And let me be clear, regardless of how we ultimately move forward with Flock, I intend to introduce legislation establishing safeguards governing surveillance technology more broadly."
During Monday's city council meeting, Remy said several council members have different opinions on the cameras. The Flock camera contract is up for renewal at the end of this year.
"I believe some of my colleagues wish to move away from this technology all together," Remy said. "Some may wish to move away from the current vendor. Others may be open to the technology under the right circumstances and with the right safeguards."
The mayor's office has defended the cameras as extremely valuable to police for solving homicides and finding missing people. But Mayor Ginther has said he recognizes legitimate privacy concerns and the potential for misuse.
Remy appeared last week on WOSU's All Sides with Amy Juravich to talk about the city's use of Flock cameras. During the interview, he said that there needed to be a balance between privacy and solving crimes.
