COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson is defending the use of Flock automatic license plate reader technology by law enforcement while calling for criminal penalties for its misuse.
Wilson said Flock and other technologies can expand law enforcement’s ability to investigate crimes and protect communities. He described Flock license plate recognition systems as identification tools intended to assist criminal investigations, rather than surveillance tools.
According to Wilson, Flock technology has helped law enforcement in Ohio solve thousands of cases, including investigations involving violent criminals and efforts to locate missing children.
Wilson acknowledged that some officers have misused Flock technology, saying several cases have recently drawn attention and prompted public debate. He said the misuse was identified through internal auditing by law enforcement agencies.
Wilson called misuse rare but said violations should carry serious consequences. He urged the Ohio General Assembly to criminalize misuse of Flock technology, similar to existing penalties for unauthorized use of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway.
Unauthorized OHLEG use is currently a fifth-degree felony, and officers convicted of the offense are required to surrender their badges, according to Wilson.
Wilson said Ohio should continue using technology that assists law enforcement while ensuring it is used carefully and that misuse is not tolerated.
