surveillance

The Columbus Division of Police have changed which agencies can access its Flock surveillance cameras after concerns were raised about the cameras' possible use for immigration-related searches.

Columbus hasn't put forth any proposed ban on police using Flock cameras, like other cities. Instead, the city will call a public hearing and conduct an audit of data from the surveillance cameras.

Law enforcement agencies around the country, including the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, are using drones as first responders. The drones launch from a set site and automatically fly to traffic incidents or crime scenes to provide overwatch before police officers arrive on scene.

The Columbus Division of Police announced a drone pilot program on Nov. 18. The Rapid Aerial Visual Enforcement Network, or RAVEN program is designed to use drones in frontline police operations.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and Dublin Police will soon use drones as first responders in some cases. Dublin Police are also adding robots with 360 degree cameras to two locations in the city. The ACLU of Ohio wants regulations on this technology to protect the privacy rights of citizens.

The center will combine several live and recorded surveillance cameras and technologies to increase the city's ability to prevent crime.

Law enforcement laud the cameras' effectiveness in solving crimes, but the American Civil Liberties Union worries about "mission creep" as cameras become more common.

A coalition of local activist groups is helping the City of Dayton draft an ordinance regarding DPD's use of surveillance technology.

The legislation restores some lapsed investigative authorities and adds what advocates call new safeguards against abuse. But it must go back to the House and thence to President Trump.

The controversial NYPD program resulted in multiple lawsuits, which were settled. Muslim American advocates and civil rights groups condemned Bloomberg's defense.