Akron Launched Audit of Flock Safety Camera Program
The Citizens' Police Oversight Board approved an audit of the department's surveillance system.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Akron's independent police auditor has initiated an audit into the police department's use of nearly 150 Flock Safety cameras. The review follows a unanimous approval from the Citizens' Police Oversight Board to examine the program's administration and safeguards.
Why it matters
The audit seeks to ensure that the surveillance system is free of abuse and includes necessary safeguards, as the oversight board currently lacks data on how the camera network has been used or misused. The system, which logs license plates into a searchable database for 30 days, has not been audited since its 2022 inception.
The audit, triggered by a 42-page letter sent to the police chief, will examine system processes rather than individual police cases. The city has set deadlines for the police department to share documents by November 6 and December 15, 2026.
The players
Citizens' Police Oversight Board
This board provides civilian oversight and accountability for the Akron Police Department.
Akron Police Department
This agency serves as the primary municipal law enforcement body for the city of Akron.
Flock Safety
This private company provides automated license plate recognition camera systems to law enforcement agencies.
The details
The auditor requested comprehensive records concerning the deployment, access, information sharing, and governance of the Flock system. While the technology is used for law enforcement, its application in Akron is restricted from use for immigration enforcement or anti-abortion investigations.
Timeline
The Akron Police Department first entered into a contract with Flock Safety in 2022.
The Citizens' Police Oversight Board unanimously approved the audit on Sept. 16, 2026.
The auditor sent a letter to the police chief regarding the audit on Sept. 17, 2026.
High-priority documents are requested for submission by Nov. 6, 2026.
The deadline for all remaining audit documents is Dec. 15, 2026.
Legal Context
The audit follows the pattern set by the national proliferation of Flock Safety automated license plate reader networks. It marks a significant effort to impose local governance on surveillance technologies that have expanded rapidly without consistent oversight frameworks.
The audit focuses on the governance and privacy safeguards of public surveillance systems, which directly impacts the community's transparency requirements. Residents can expect the auditor to issue recommendations if the review reveals significant failures in system procedures.
The takeaway
This audit highlights a growing tension between the adoption of sophisticated surveillance tools and the need for public accountability. Stakeholders should monitor the December 2026 report to see if the city implements new privacy restrictions or operational changes for its camera fleet.
Further reading
For more on the department's oversight policies, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Live Poll
Do you trust that your local police department effectively manages automated surveillance systems?
