Last week the Office of Independent Police Auditor in Akron started a full audit of the Akron Police Department’s automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) program operated by Flock Safety. The city currently runs close to 150 pole‑mounted cameras that capture the license plates of every vehicle that passes by, storing the data in a searchable database for up to 30 days.
Why the audit matters
Auditor Anthony Finnell sent a 42‑page letter to Police Chief Brian Harding on Sept. 17 outlining the scope of the review. He requested records covering the “deployment, administration, use, access, oversight, information sharing, retention, and governance” of the Flock system. High‑priority documents are due by Nov. 6, with the remainder expected by Dec. 15.
Board support and community concerns
Akron’s Citizens’ Police Oversight Board approved the audit at its Sept. 16 meeting, with unanimous backing from the eight members present. Board members voiced both support and caution. Tamara Brooks warned that an overly aggressive review could interfere with ongoing investigations, while Duane Crabbs argued that the time is right for a thorough examination, noting the lack of concrete data on how the cameras have been used.
Audit focus and safeguards
Finnell emphasized that the audit will not target individual cases but will assess the program as a whole. He said the review will verify that the system operates as intended, that privacy safeguards are in place, and that there are no abuses. If gaps are found, the auditor’s office will issue recommendations to strengthen oversight.
Recent incident highlights need for oversight
During the board meeting, Finnell recounted a complaint from an Akron resident who believed they were being improperly tracked. The auditor’s office investigated and found that an officer had entered an incorrect justification for using the license‑plate lookup. “You can’t just go into the system and plug in a plate; you have to have an investigative need,” Finnell said, noting that the error was corrected.
Broader context
Flock Safety’s ALPR technology is used by more than 6,000 agencies nationwide, with roughly 120,000 cameras deployed to help locate stolen vehicles and apprehend suspects. Nonetheless, privacy‑rights groups have raised concerns about potential misuse, and some jurisdictions have reduced or suspended the technology.
A spokesperson for the Akron Police Department told Signal Akron that the system’s “anti‑abortion” and “immigration” enforcement features are turned off in Akron, reflecting local policy choices.
What’s next?
The auditor’s office has pledged strict confidentiality throughout the review. Findings are expected to be shared with the Police Department, the Oversight Board and the public later this year. Residents and officials alike hope the audit will provide transparency, protect constitutional liberties and ensure the camera program serves the community’s safety without infringing on privacy.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
