Columbus City Council Member Emmanuel Remy said he will not meet his previously stated goal of introducing legislation on Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader cameras by the end of September.
He did not provide an amended timeframe as to when he will introduce his legislation.
“My office continues to work diligently on a comprehensive legislative package for governing the use of surveillance technology,” Remy said in a statement. “The recent pause on Flock and the covering of the cameras have given us extra time to do our due diligence on this sensitive issue. That includes productive conversations with community stakeholders and public safety officials, as well as collaborating with the city attorney’s office on the lawfulness of our proposals.”
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther paused the use of the city’s 65 Flock cameras after allegations of misuse by a Columbus police officer, who looked up the same license plate more than 200 times. Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant said the city doesn't believe the searches were part of an investigation.
Remy’s statement also said the legislation his office is working on will not be limited to Flock cameras.
“In the end, what we introduce will meet the high standards required for any police technology,” Remy said. “This isn’t about Flock. That company has lost the support of too many in Columbus and on City Council. Any technology the city may use must be transparent, trusted and unequivocally up to the task of keeping people safe in every way possible.”
Several members of Columbus City Council have been outspoken about their distrust of Flock cameras and have indicated they are not in favor of renewing the city’s contract in December.
