TOLEDO, Ohio — A controversial decision to block a license plate reader contract in Lucas County has drawn sharp reactions from both community members and law enforcement, with public sentiment increasingly siding against expanded surveillance.
Commissioners Pete Gerken and Anita Lopez voted this week to rescind a contract with Flock Safety, a private company that provides license plate reader technology. While the sheriff’s office sees it as a key tool in modern policing, residents who spoke with WTOL 11 said they’re relieved by the reversal.
“I don’t really see the reason for it, honestly,” said Toledo resident Nikolas Henneman. “It seems like an invasion of privacy.”…