Akron Police Board Revises Flock Camera Plan

Akron's police oversight board is reconsidering its decision to pause the city's Flock Safety camera network. The committee meets Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Akron City Council chambers to review the issue. This follows a 5-2 vote last week that tabled the recommendation to stop using the system.

A draft letter requests that the mayor's office and police department halt the use of license plate readers until an audit is complete. The document cites five main concerns regarding the surveillance system. These issues include privacy risks, ongoing lawsuits, and general public objections to the technology.

Mayor Shammas Malik announced that Akron is opting out of nationwide Flock searches. This change prevents out-of-state agencies from accessing Akron's camera data. Local police retain the ability to use the system for local safety purposes.

The board's second look occurs as the city addresses growing scrutiny of the surveillance program. The audit aim is to determine if the system meets local standards before continuing operations. The committee will vote on whether to maintain the pause or resume full usage.

In other local news, the Ohio Turnpike is preparing its fleet for winter. Crews are performing 136-point inspections on every snowplow. These checks cover engine parts, plowing equipment, tires, lights, and salt systems. More than 100 plows will treat the 241-mile turnpike across 13 counties this season. The inspections began this week and will conclude in four days.

President Donald Trump is returning to Ohio for a rally in Chillicothe. He supports Republican candidates ahead of next week's midterm election. Sen. John Husted noted this is the president's third visit to the state in less than 30 days. The rally is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Stark County has matched its fatal crash total from last year. By the end of the third quarter, the county recorded 31 fatal crashes and 33 deaths. A traffic fatality review committee identified 12 fatal crashes in the third quarter alone. Drugs or alcohol were factors in nine of those incidents. No seat belts were worn in five crashes, and both motorcycle riders involved died without helmets.