The theme of the hearing was clear: current Columbus policy and law on Flock technology is not enough.
The Columbus City Council’s public hearing Monday on Flock cameras lasted for six hours.
Before the hearing, Columbus City Councilmember Emmanuel Remy reiterated his stance to media that “everything is on the table” regarding Flock technology.
Councilmembers in attendance appeared skeptical about the technology, with members like Lourdes Barroso de Padilla saying she has strong concerns about Flock.
“My greatest concern, and this is with all pieces of technology, but certainly with this one, is that technology is run by people, and people commit errors, and there's too much human error in this system that makes me feel like this is not the right choice for us,” Barroso de Padilla said.
Councilmember Melissa Green expressed similar concerns, stating during public comment that she believes there are too many questions surrounding the safety of the technology to justify its use.
Councilmembers questioned Department of Public Safety Director Kate Pishotti, Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant and Deputy Chiefs Tim Myers and Justin Coleman about the city’s use of Flock technology.
Bryant acknowledged Barroso de Padilla’s concerns around transparency and accountability.
“I 100% agree with you. It is very important that we, as a leadership team, are accountable for what our officers do,” Bryant said. “When we talk about these things, it's really important to know that you're right. Accountability has to be key, and we have to make sure that we're putting measures in place to make sure that these tools are being used properly. That's any tool.”
However, Columbus police continued to defend the agency's Flock use, saying newer policy that has been put in place would protect Columbus’ network from immigration searches and other misuses.
During his presentation, Myers added that Columbus taxpayers have not yet funded the city’s use of Flock. The CPD’s first contract with Flock was funded using a federal grant from the American Rescue Plan Act. In 2024, CPD received a Violent Crime Grant to add 44 cameras to its network.
Myers clarified that the funding from these grants has been spent, and if the city were to renew its contract in December, the city would need to approve funding.
Myers also told councilmembers what CPD is planning to add to its policy, such as requiring periodic audits and requiring impact reports for introducing new technology.
Councilmembers also questioned Vaughn Roland, a representative from Flock. Roland told council Flock welcomes regulation of its technology, and that the company is adding more features to address issues like misuse of cameras.
Roland said Flock welcomes regulation of its product and that the company wants to be proactive and responsive to user concerns.
American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Legislative Director Gary Daniels reiterated his statements made to WOSU on Aug. 6, advocating for the council to end its contract with Flock.
Public comment regarding Flock was overwhelmingly in favor of the complete removal of the cameras.
Speakers regularly mentioned their concerns about Columbus’ cameras being used to aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement, security flaws, misuse of cameras by police and a general dislike of being watched.
A few community members spoke in favor of the cameras, instead advocating for stronger policy and legislation to protect residents.
Remy ended the meeting by stating the council has a lot of new information to consider regarding Flock cameras.
