WQIO Ohio's Super Station
The City of Mount Vernon is moving away from its current agreement with Flock Safety and plans to impose a 12-month moratorium on the installation of automated license plate reader cameras on city property.
City Council gave a first reading Monday to Resolution 2026-96, which would allow the city’s current contract with Flock Safety to expire on October 25. The legislation would also prohibit the installation of new automated license plate reader, or ALPR, cameras on city property during the 12-month moratorium.
The decision follows months of public discussion surrounding Flock cameras in Mount Vernon and across Knox County. Mount Vernon officials previously reviewed the city’s policy after residents raised questions about privacy and the use and storage of information collected by the cameras.
Under the proposed legislation, the moratorium would begin October 25 and remain in effect for one year. The legislation would also prevent other parties from installing ALPR cameras on city-owned property during that period.
Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers told council that the city had heard the public’s feedback as officials considered whether to continue the agreement.
The proposal is still moving through the legislative process and has not yet taken effect.
The decision comes after the Knox County Sheriff’s Office also stepped back from plans to install Flock cameras earlier this year, citing concerns about privacy and data security.
