COSHOCTON, Ohio — In a major development amid growing public debate and nationwide pushback over automated surveillance technology, the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office has announced it will remove all Flock Safety cameras operating within the county.
Sheriff Christopher Walters issued a formal news release on Thursday, August 13, stating that the decision was made directly in response to concerns raised by local residents regarding privacy and state surveillance.
Listening to the Electorate
While maintaining that he believes the technology operates within constitutional boundaries, Sheriff Walters emphasized that his oath of office and commitment to the public’s wishes led to the decision.
“We hear our community,” Sheriff Walters said in the statement. “While we understand the value Flock cameras can provide in certain investigations, we also recognize the growing number of concerned citizens. While I believe there is absolutely no constitutional concerns, if the electorate doesn’t want the technology there, my office won’t use it.”
He added that after reviewing citizen concerns, his office stands committed to upholding individual freedoms, transparency, and public safety.
A Growing Movement Against License Plate Readers
The decision in Coshocton County reflects a broader trend across Ohio and the country, where communities are increasingly re-evaluating or canceling contracts with automated license plate reader (ALPR) providers like Flock Safety.
Opponents across the political spectrum—ranging from civil liberties advocates to local residents—have voiced concerns over:
Mass Surveillance: Continuous tracking of non-suspect drivers going about daily routines.
Data Sharing & Misuse: Audits in Ohio cities showing searches conducted by out-of-state agencies or unapproved uses.
Constitutional Rights: Questions surrounding Fourth Amendment protections regarding warrantless location tracking.
What Comes Next
With the official announcement, Coshocton County becomes one of the latest jurisdictions in Ohio to officially pull back from using Flock cameras. The Sheriff’s Office indicated that removal of the cameras will proceed as planned, prioritizing community trust and public transparency.
