Amid ban threat from Acton, Ohio FOP reaffirms support for Flock cameras

Amid ban threat from Acton, Ohio FOP reaffirms support for Flock cameras Advertisement Updated: 6:15 PM EST Nov 7, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Kurt Knue Amid ban threat from Acton, Ohio FOP reaffirms support for Flock cameras Updated: 6:15 PM EST Nov 7, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Kurt Knue COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police is among several top law enforcement groups that are reaffirming their support for Flock cameras amid a promise by Governor-elect Amy Acton to ban them across the state. Acton, the state's former director of public health, was elected as Ohio's next governor on Tuesday after a bitter and hard-fought campaign against businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Amid the many issues that emerged in the race, the two candidates diverged on how to tackle the rapidly growing resident backlash in Ohio against Flock cameras, with Acton pledging her support for a full ban if elected. Advertisement In response, four different law enforcement unions that include the Ohio FOP now say that they are proposing three guiding principles to better facilitate accountability for officers who abuse their access to the cameras for personal means. The police unions say that these three principles include "clear rules and stricter penalties for law enforcement members who abuse camera data," in addition to "better oversight of police agencies through mandatory audits," and "security and transparency requirements for technology providers." Joining the Ohio FOP, the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, and Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association all signed on to the statement in support of the principles as they seek to preserve what they call an extremely valuable tool for Ohio law enforcement. "We have heard many Ohioans' concerns about the danger that could come from those who seek to abuse access to this important police investigative resource, and we share those concerns," the four unions said in their joint statement released on Friday. "Law enforcement has many investigatory tools, and unauthorized access is a serious crime under Ohio Revised Code. Law Enforcement professionals should be held to the same standard regarding Flock cameras." The unions went on to note that presumed Attorney General-elect John Kulewicz is among those who have expressed a desire to allow local police departments to continue to use Flock cameras, joining a position shared by current Attorney General Andy Wilson. Both Kulewicz and Acton are Democrats, with the party not having held either the attorney general's office or governor's mansion in two decades in Ohio. In their statement, the unions said that mandatory and regular audits of officers who have access to traffic camera privileges should be the norm for all police departments in the state going forward. "We also want agencies to be held accountable through mandatory audits in which humans review data on who is accessing Flock camera information, how often, and for what purpose," the statement continued. "If an agency allows for widespread abuse, it should be reported publicly so that civilian administrators can work to protect Ohioans’ privacy. Agencies should also track and report the number of arrests made because of Flock camera data. The claim that they serve a legitimate and important purpose for law enforcement should be supported with evidence." Additionally, the law enforcement unions said that a greater degree of public transparency is needed to inform the public about how Flock cameras are used in daily practice, adding that the community always has a right to know when illegal abuses do occur. "Camera technology providers should be required to implement stringent cybersecurity measures," the statement concluded. "Those signing contracts and local elected officials should demand transparency and share with the community the steps taken to protect captured data. We recommend requirements involving cybersecurity standards, access controls, breach notification, data retention, and independent security audits." Despite the pledge from Acton to ban the cameras, both the Ohio General Assembly and Ohio Senate will remain in Republican hands going forward, likely complicating efforts to enact such a ban into law. Make WLWT a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks High school band member stunned as 'Thunderstruck' performance goes viral Defense attorney for man convicted in Tupac murder trial found dead in Las Vegas Watch: Giant pandas make much-anticipated debut at Zoo Atlanta 19-year-old to become one of Massachusetts' youngest representatives in state history