COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has wrapped up its audit of the Flock license plate reader camera system, and a deputy has been suspended without pay for 30 days after investigators found he used the system in ways that fell outside his authorized duties, the office said Friday.
The investigation determined that Deputy Robert Tischler accessed the Flock camera system in a manner inconsistent with his authorized duties and responsibilities, according to the sheriff’s office. Tischler will be reassigned from patrol duties to the Corrections Division and will no longer have access to the Flock system.
Sheriff Dallas Baldwin ordered the audit after hearing about instances of the technology being misused by other law enforcement agencies, the office said. The proactive review is what surfaced the concern about Tischler’s use. The audit follows a statement Baldwin issued Sept. 10 announcing that the office was reviewing how Flock camera technology is used.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the technology entrusted to this Office is used appropriately, responsibly, and solely for legitimate law enforcement purposes. That is why we initiated this review proactively,” said Sheriff Baldwin. “I hold every member of this Office to high standards of professionalism and integrity. Maintaining the public’s trust and keeping our community safe is my top priority. Law enforcement technology, such as the Flock camera system, is an important investigative tool, and must be used only for investigative purposes. I expect all deputies to use their authority and office resources responsibly.”
Since the internal investigation began, Baldwin has instructed each division to designate a major to oversee access to the automated license plate reader data systems, including who is authorized to use them and when, the office said. The oversight also includes regular audits.
JNN’s Flock camera map
J News Network maps plate-reader cameras reported across Ohio, including more than 700 in Franklin County. Every pin is a camera location reported by community mappers through OpenStreetMap, including DeFlock project volunteers; no agency or vendor publishes a complete public list, so the map cannot show every camera.
Open the full Camera Map in the JNN app. Avoids all mapped cameras — never guaranteed. Big Brother keeps expanding its network out there. We try to keep you informed about it.
This article is based on a media release from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
