Cleveland City Council Public Safety Committee Hearing on Flock ALPR Ordinance 683-2026 - July 7, 2026

The Cleveland City Council Public Safety Committee held a hearing on July 7, 2026, to reconsider Ordinance 683-2026, which would authorize a one-year, $250,000 contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate readers (ALPRs). The committee heard extensive public testimony, reviewed data on crime-solving impacts, and debated privacy and data-sharing concerns. The committee ultimately voted to recommend the ordinance with amendments, including a six-month contract, reduced funding, and stronger data protections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Blakene (Ward 10) opposed Flock, citing privacy violations and the risk of federal data access. She argued that public safety should include protecting constitutional rights and that ALPRs violate Fourth Amendment protections.
• Brenda Bickerstaff (Ward 9) expressed mixed feelings, noting that cameras have exonerated her clients but distrusting police oversight. She called for a public transparency portal.
• Mary Maloney (Ward 10) opposed Flock, detailing security vulnerabilities, immigration-related searches, and the company's ties to venture capital firms supportive of the current federal administration. She noted that at least 30 localities have canceled Flock contracts since 2025.
• Walt Gart (Ward 14) opposed the renewal, citing ACLU warnings, concerns about former Councilman McCormick's employment with Flock, and the risk of warrantless surveillance. He argued that the city should require probable cause for tracking.
• Antoine Carrington (Maple Heights, active in Ward 10) supported Flock, stating that cameras helped solve church break-ins and provided safety for congregations.
• Pastor Mark Smith (Ward 3, Garfield Heights) supported Flock, reporting a 39% reduction in crime in his area and emphasizing that public safety and constitutional rights can coexist with clear policies.
• Bishop Owens (Ward 2) supported Flock, saying cameras are needed to revitalize communities and protect church members.
• Pastor Aaron Phillips (Ward 6) supported Flock, urging unity on safety issues and noting that other communities use similar technology.
• Bishop Eugene Ward (Ward 2) supported Flock, stating that Cleveland ranks 7th in unsafe cities and that cameras are a necessary tool.
• Reverend R. A. Prince (Ward 1) supported Flock, citing the solving of Annie Dufries' murder.
• Randy Cunningham (Ward 12) opposed Flock, arguing that it contributes to a surveillance state and that the FBI's recent raids show misuse of data.
• Bishop Chewy (Ward 8) opposed Flock, citing the Texas abortion case where data from Flock cameras was used to track a woman across state lines. He argued that Cleveland cannot protect residents' data once it enters Flock's network.
• Brynn Adams (Ward 12) opposed Flock, noting that the previous committee vote was 3-1 against renewal and that cameras continue operating without a contract. She called for bagging the cameras and banning mass surveillance.
• Rebecca Garcia (Ward 3, Avanzamos Unidos) opposed Flock, warning that ALPR data can be used for immigration enforcement, undermining trust in public institutions.
• Tessa Wan (Ward 14) opposed Flock, citing abuse by officers, lack of warrant requirements, and the risk of data access by federal agencies under the current administration. She noted that the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Chowtree limits warrantless location data collection.
• Trevor Chandler (Flock Safety Senior Director of Public Affairs) defended Flock, stating that the company does not sell data, has no contract with ICE, and has implemented filters to block immigration and reproductive health searches. He noted that CPD opted out of nationwide sharing in June 2026.
• Fran Cao Fadis (Ward 6) supported Flock, citing a recent case where Shaker police used a Flock camera to solve a theft within hours. She argued that surveillance and liberties can coexist.
• Scott Kalo (Solon, but drives in Cleveland) opposed Flock, presenting evidence of 18 instances of ALPR abuse in 2026, including unauthorized access and stalking. He called Flock's security assurances false.
• Darrell Houston (Ward 8, car wash owner) supported Flock but emphasized the need for intervention and investment in youth to prevent crime, not just after-the-fact solving.
• Julian Roseman (Ward 7, small business owner) opposed Flock, saying the public should not be forced to repeat testimony. He argued that for-profit companies should not control public safety data and that the city should invest in non-profit solutions.
• Councilman Joe Jones (Ward 8) read a letter from Reverend Jeff Jameson supporting Flock, citing safeguards and the technology's role in solving crimes.
• Sean McCann (Ward 7, ACLU of Ohio) opposed Flock, calling it a mass surveillance network and noting that the