COSHOCTON COUNTY, Ohio — The Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office has announced a new transparency policy outlining how the agency uses Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the policy is designed to give residents clearer information about the technology, including why it is used, who is authorized to access the system, how long data is retained and what privacy safeguards are in place.
The agency has also made information about its use of automated license plate readers available through a public transparency portal.
Residents can use the portal to review the Sheriff’s Office’s ALPR data-retention period, system usage statistics, general categories of searches, camera information and details about data sharing with other agencies.
The portal also provides information about policies and safeguards governing the system, along with examples of cases in which the Sheriff’s Office says license plate reader technology has assisted law enforcement.
The announcement comes amid growing public discussion surrounding the use of automated license plate readers and access to the vehicle-location data they collect.
The Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office said the new policy is intended to promote transparency and accountability while allowing the agency to continue using the technology for public safety purposes.
