ATHENS — The Athens Police Department will not renew its contract with Flock surveillance cameras, Mayor Steve Patterson announced at Monday’s city council meeting, closing out a program that drew months of public concern.
Flock cameras photograph license plates and alert officers when a wanted vehicle passes. The systems have spread to police departments across Ohio in recent years, and privacy advocates have pushed back, arguing the cameras amount to round-the-clock tracking of drivers who have done nothing wrong. In Athens, residents pressed the city to walk away.
The announcement came at a meeting where residents also vented frustration over flooding, telling council members the city is not answering their calls. The Transportation Committee recently heard ideas from Ohio University environmental studies director Dr. Natalie Kruse Daniels for easing flooding along Richland Avenue and Coates Run, where officials say high water has caused repeated damage.
With the surveillance contract shelved, attention now turns back to the flooding fight and whatever security tools police propose next. Residents left Monday’s meeting with an answer on the cameras — and a reminder that other battles with city hall are still open.
