CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — Cambridge City Council heard renewed calls to address the city’s use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras Tuesday night, as residents questioned the technology’s impact on privacy and constitutional rights and urged council members to take action. No motion was made on the issue during the Oct. 13 meeting.
Two Sworn In During Council Meeting
Bill Wagstaff was sworn in as Cambridge’s new Third Ward councilman, while Becky Cooley was sworn in as a firefighter/paramedic with the Cambridge Fire Department.
Mayor Tom Orr and Fire Chief Scott Elliott participated in Cooley’s swearing-in. She joins the department after years of working as an EMT/paramedic for several ambulance services in the Cambridge area.
Fall Cleanup Continues Through October
In his mayor’s report, Orr announced that residents can arrange item drop-off for the city’s fall cleanup program through the end of October by calling 740-439-2822.
Pickup service may be available for senior citizens and residents with disabilities. Accepted items include appliances, televisions and furniture. Household garbage and tires will not be accepted during the fall cleanup, with tire collection planned for the spring.
Residents Press Council Over Flock Cameras
During public comment, residents called on council to address concerns about Cambridge’s use of Flock cameras, including through further action such as referring the matter to a committee. One speaker presented council with information about the recall process for city council members, including the paperwork and petitions required to pursue a recall.
The comments focused on the balance between public safety and residents’ rights, as well as the lack of public communication surrounding the installation of the cameras in Cambridge.
One resident told council the issue was not about opposing public safety, but about ensuring that public safety efforts operate alongside constitutional rights, privacy and accountability.
Another resident pointed to Coshocton County, where the sheriff’s office removed Flock cameras following community feedback, and asked why Cambridge could not take similar action.
A separate speaker criticized what they viewed as council’s silence on the issue, saying it indicated support for the cameras. The resident also argued that the installation of privately owned surveillance cameras was a significant public concern, particularly given the lack of communication about their placement, and compared the situation with the city’s school-zone speed cameras.
After public comment ended, Council President Jeff Leonard asked whether council members had any motions to consider regarding the concerns raised. No motions were made.
Councilman Tim Milner addressed the issue, noting that Flock cameras also operate outside city limits, including cameras used by the county. He acknowledged concerns about private businesses collecting and selling information but questioned what the city could do to address the broader issue.
“Until the Supreme Court tells these private businesses they cannot collect and sell that data, I don’t see how we can change any of those things,” Milner said.
Referencing the Fourth Amendment, Milner also pointed to the widespread presence of cameras and questioned how much difference removing Cambridge’s cameras would make while other systems remain in operation.
“I don’t see that it’s going to make a huge difference here,” he said.
Milner closed by acknowledging that residents have expressed differing opinions about the cameras.
“We hear you. We understand your concerns. We do. But I get people on the street who tell me the exact opposite,” he said.
Council Defends Camera Safeguards
Councilman Tom Laughman later read a statement on behalf of city council addressing the public’s concerns and explaining the city’s position on the technology.
The statement is as follows:
On behalf of this city council, I would like to thank all of those of you that are attending our meetings and have been attending our meetings, as well as everyone who has voiced their questions, suggestions, and concerns to this body.
As your representatives, one of our highest priorities is the safety, security, and well-being of every person who calls Cambridge home. Every person.
Our community has engaged in robust discussions regarding the City’s use of Flock safety cameras. We have been listening closely to the feedback of those of you attending these meetings, as well as residents from the wider community that have been voicing their opinions from home, they do not want to be apart of the melee.
Every single person is being heard.
Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community. To protect our families, our businesses, and our neighbors, we must equip the Cambridge Police Department with the modern tools necessary to solve crimes quickly and efficiently. Across Ohio right now, and here in Guernsey County, automated license plate readers have proven incredibly effective. They assist law enforcement with missing persons, individuals with dementia, and AMBER alert victims, while providing leads in criminal investigations to make our community a safe place for everyone.
At the same time, we hear and deeply respect the privacy and concerns raised by all of our residents. Because of this, we want to emphasize the strict safeguards already established by our Police Chief Dave Peoples. There will be no long-term tracking. All data that is captured on these cameras will be automatically deleted within seven (7) days. Strict access controls are implemented. The system is governed by rigorous local policy, meaning cameras will only be utilized for objective law enforcement purposes, not for continuous, unregulated tracking of everyday citizens.
No automated fines. This technology is explicitly used to detect stolen vehicles, vehicles tied to activities within criminal suspect. It is not a tool for tracking, ticketing people, or any hidden fines.
There was created a public portal. This portal will be monitored when the system is accessed, and it will be identified the reason it is accessed. It will be accessible to the public, and residents will know when it is being looked at.
Case number assignment: Each case number must be assigned before anyone can even access the system. Council is aware, though, that the State of Ohio is reviewing automated license plate reader legislation, and we will comply with the State’s decision and fallow all the laws once they are finalized.
Thank you again for your engagement and your passion for the city. Your input does help us keep Cambridge safe, and it keeps it a strong place to live and to raise a family for every single one of us.
View the full council meeting here:
Last Updated on October 14, 2026 by AVC News
