Columbus Pauses Flock ALPR Program Amid Officer Misuse and Trust Concerns

Columbus Mayor Ginther paused the use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras after it emerged a 9th precinct officer searched a single plate hundreds of times for personal reasons; the city ordered a third-party audit to identify further misuses, and potential charges if wrongdoing is found. With a majority of City Council open to ending the program, officials stress the importance of public trust alongside public safety as safeguards are heightened and investigations continue in light of a broader national probe into Flock's practices.