The Fort Thomas Police Department has ended access to the Flock Safety camera platform, effective immediately.
Fort Thomas Mayor Andy Ellison addressed the conversation surrounding Flock Cameras in a letter posted to the city’s Facebook page on Aug. 28.
Ellison said in the letter that he has heard from residents who support having Flock cameras because they believe that they can be a valuable tool for the police department, particularly in locating missing or abducted people. At the same time, he has heard from residents who do not support Flock cameras due to concerns about privacy.
103 Flock devices are watching Northern Kentucky roads. Are they in your neighborhood?
“As Mayor, I do not believe we should dismiss either side,” Ellison said. “The fact that residents support these cameras does not mean we should ignore the concerns of those who oppose them. And the fact that residents are uncomfortable with them does not mean we should ignore a tool that helps keep our community safe.”
Ellison announced in the letter that as of Aug. 28, Fort Thomas will discontinue its use of Flock cameras.
“I have complete confidence and trust in our Police Chief, and I will continue supporting suggestions he has regarding tools that improve the safety of our city,” Ellison said in the letter. “I will collaborate with the Police Department to ensure that the transition away from Flock cameras is handled responsibly and that law enforcement continues to have the tools necessary to protect our community.”
Read Ellison’s full letter below:
