Edgewood, Ky. – The Edgewood City Council voted this week to eliminate all funding for the city’s Flock automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) system and to coordinate the permanent removal of the cameras. The decision caps a several‑month pause on the technology that began in September, when city leaders and residents opened a dialogue about the benefits and concerns surrounding its use.
Council vote and mayor’s statement
During the council meeting, Mayor Mark Link thanked council members for their “hard work, research, and patience throughout the decision‑making process.” He also praised the community for approaching the issue “with class, respect, and thoughtful discussion,” as noted in a city‑posted Facebook announcement.
Mayor Link emphasized that the vote does not signal an abandonment of the technology or a lack of support for the Edgewood Police Department. In a letter released last month, he described the pause as an “opportunity” for leaders to carefully review how the cameras are used, understand both benefits and concerns, and consider any needed policy safeguards.
Implementation of removal
According to the city, the Flock cameras have not been active for “several months.” Officials will now work directly with Flock to arrange the permanent removal of the equipment from public streets. The city has not indicated a timeline for the removal, but the council’s funding cut ensures that no further expenses will be allocated to the system.
Regional context
Edgewood’s decision aligns with a broader movement across the Greater Cincinnati area. This year, nearly a dozen municipalities in both Kentucky and Ohio have either suspended or ended the use of ALPR technology. The trend gained additional attention last month when an Ohio state representative called for an “indefinite pause” of ALPRs after a Sharonville police lieutenant faced indictment for alleged misuse of the system.
Proponents of ALPRs argue that the technology can aid law‑enforcement investigations and improve public safety. Critics, however, raise privacy concerns, pointing to the potential for unwarranted tracking of innocent motorists and the risk of data being used beyond its original purpose.
What this means for Edgewood residents
For Edgewood citizens, the council’s action represents a concrete step toward addressing privacy worries while still supporting local police efforts through other means. The city has indicated that it will continue to explore alternative public‑safety tools that respect community values and constitutional rights.
Mayor Link’s office plans to hold a follow‑up public forum later this year to discuss future safety technologies and gather further input from residents.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
