Cleveland Akron, OH, July 24, 2026 —

Ohio State University has extended its contract for Flock Safety license plate reader cameras, securing the technology through 2028. The renewed agreement introduces a total cost of $378,000 for the university, marking a 20% increase in annual expenses compared to the previous contract.

University officials have stated that the implementation of these license plate reader cameras is intended to bolster campus safety. According to proponents, the technology aids law enforcement in solving criminal cases and facilitates the recovery of stolen vehicles and property.

However, the decision to renew the contract has also drawn attention from privacy advocates. These groups have voiced concerns regarding the university’s policies on data usage collected by the Flock Safety cameras. Specific apprehensions have been raised about the potential implications of this data collection on immigrant communities.

The contract’s extension signifies a continued investment in surveillance technology by the university, aimed at addressing security challenges. The increase in cost suggests either an expansion of the camera network or updated service provisions. The debate surrounding the use of such technology highlights the ongoing tension between public safety initiatives and individual privacy rights.

Further details regarding the specific deployment locations of the cameras and the granular breakdown of the annual cost increase were not immediately available. The university has not yet released a detailed report on the specific metrics for crime solving or property recovery attributed to the Flock Safety cameras in the past contract period.



Story summarized from the original created by Amy Morona on signalcleveland.org, see more information here.

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