Fort Mitchell has ended its use of Flock Safety devices around the city after residents packed Monday night’s council meeting and voiced concerns about the technology.
Mayor Greg Pohlgeers said the city will begin shutting off and dismantling the five devices immediately and will not renew its contract with Flock Safety.
Pohlgeers cited growing public concern about mass surveillance, data security, and Fourth Amendment violations, as well as opposition from several council members, as the main reasons for slashing the program.
The city entered into a 24-month contract with Flock Safety in 2024, purchasing five Flock automated license plate readers for $34,000. These devices use a combination of computer software and cameras to read a vehicle’s license plate, make, color and model as it passes by. The information is then converted into searchable data that law enforcement agencies can use to track vehicles.
When the city first signed the contract, Pohlgeers said he advocated for the devices and hoped they would help with police investigations.
“It was a different climate back then, as a small police department; that’s something I support,” said Pohlgeers. It gave us the ability to leverage the technology to do more with less. However, there’s one thing that’s more important than that to me, and that is the public’s trust.”
At Monday night’s town hall, several residents spoke out against the devices and raised growing concerns about public safety. Greg Given, who has worked in information technology for the past 28 years, shared his apprehension towards the devices’ surveillance capabilities.
“I reviewed the contract, I follow what is happening with this technology across the country, and I have serious concerns that I would like to share with you all,” said Given. “I want to be clear about something upfront: I do want a safe community, as every person in this room does, but I’m not willing to trade my freedom for the appearance of safety, and I don’t believe the people of Fort Mitchell should have to make that choice.”
City Council members also voiced concerns about the devices, agreeing with Pohlgeer’s initial optimism about the technology’s effectiveness and safety.
City Administrator Edwin King said the city will immediately begin coordinating with Flock Safety to officially eliminate the program from Fort Mitchell and end all ongoing operations.
