Police cameras coming to Sandusky

SANDUSKY — New technology coming to Sandusky will capture footage so city police officers can, among other uses, solve crimes with this technology. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners agreed to a nearly $162,000 purchase with Axon to provide overhead recording devices in various, albeit specific, locations throughout Sandusky for a five-year period. Axon represents the same company that also provides city police officers with body cameras and dash-cam video recording devices. Commissioners also renewed that deal as well. The contract takes effect once the cameras get installed and go live, which should occur sometime by early 2027. Regarding the funding: • $100,000 comes from a local tourism grant; Taxes from overnight stays in hotels, motels and lodges generated this funding. • $62,000 from local city funds Man expresses opposition Commissioners unanimously supported the measure but not before hearing a harsh critique. Before the vote occurred and during a public participation portion, city resident Ethan Unzicker addressed his concerns about these cameras to commissioners. He claimed they're costly and an invasion of privacy. Unzicker mentioned Flock cameras with nine such devices located throughout Sandusky today. Flock cameras differ from the other cameras Sandusky most recently bought. They do; however, have automated license plate reader capabilities, but they weren't purchased for that feature, Sandusky police Chief Jared Oliver said. A common complaint about Flock cameras: They're an expansive surveillance system that records the movements of innocent motorists. Proponents, meanwhile, argue the cameras are a valuable investigative tool. The cameras, which are attached to solar panels, take still pictures of passing vehicles and log their details into a searchable database to track people suspected of committing a serious crime, such as a kidnapping. Recording large numbers of vehicles without individualized suspicion raises concerns over the Fourth Amendment, critics argue, which protects people from unreasonable search and seizure carried out by government agencies. The cameras themselves are also a target of vandalism, Unzicker said, as those opposed to them have damaged these devices in other communities. Before finishing his statement, city ex officio mayor Kate Vargo attempted to cut off Unzicker, as he exceeded the 3-minute time limit for audience members to speak. But he spoke over her, continuing on with his points. "If the people of the city, if what they want means anything to you, we're telling you, 'We don't want it,'" Unzicker said. "For people who say if you are doing nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear, I say, 'I fear your definition of wrong.'" During the roll call of votes, Unzicker repeatedly disrupted commissioners from carrying on their business. This would include a comment coming from Vargo. She said, "This is another tool to help keep our residents and our citizens and our visitors safe. It's just something else that is added to make sure we are doing the right things to make people feel good to be in our community (to) visit and to live here. And …" "Doesn't make me feel safe," Unzicker said. Vargo continued: "And so, I believe, it's a good thing that we're going forward with that." When commissioners, one by one, voted, Unzicker booed. A few days later, in a follow-up social media post, Unzicker addressed the situation. "There is a real discussion that needs to be had about the balance between privacy and security," said Unzicker, also critical of what he perceives as city officials pushing through this legislation in a rushed manner and not giving the public enough time to digest the information and voice their opinions one way or another. "How do you know when somebody is using this technology for something other than what it is intended for?" Unzicker said. "We need regulation and accountability." Police chief response After Unzicker's public participation comments but before the actual vote, Oliver spoke on this issue. Oliver noted his officers need help in gathering evidence and arresting suspects in incidents of serious matters. This year, there's been an uptick in violent crime, including an August double shooting that left one man dead and, as of today, another in critical condition. The cameras aim to assist officers in public places where large groups gather. This would include parks, waterfront spaces and downtown intersections. "What this does is it gives us the capability to go back and watch that event. We can go back and look for evidentiary purposes," Oliver said. "Another thing: It's going to deter activity in our viewpoint. We're putting these in (places) where we have large groups of people." He continued, noting footage captured on these cameras can be treated as evidence "that we can show to the court and for prosecution purposes and for the community to say, 'Hey, here's what's taking place, here's what we see. That was the nature of these cameras. They were never about license plate readers." Oliver also promised the public his officers won't abuse surveillance footage for anything other than serious and worthwhile investigations. And, if they do, they'll be "held accountable," he said. "We have policies in place. We have rules and regulations," Oliver said. "If someone violates those rules and regulations, I'm responsible for the Sandusky Police Department." Oliver answered some additional questions about the cameras: Q: Can you explain what these cameras are and their primary functions? JO: The system includes 12 cameras that will be installed throughout the city, including several city parks. Nine of the cameras are lightpost cameras that provide live video, recording capabilities and pan-tilt-zoom functionality but do not have automatic license plate reader capabilities. The remaining three cameras are outpost cameras. While they do have automatic license plate reader capabilities, they were not purchased for that feature. They were selected because they provide the same functionality as the lightpost cameras, including live video, recording and zoom capabilities. These outpost cameras will be deployed in locations where commercial power, which is required for the lightpost cameras, is not readily available. Q: So how will these lightpost/outpost cameras operate differently than automatic license plate readers, commonly known as Flock cameras? JO: The newly approved camera system serves a broader public safety purpose. Unlike Flock cameras, this system is not limited to license plate recognition. The cameras are intended to support crime prevention efforts, criminal investigations and real-time situational awareness by providing officers and detectives with a broader view of public spaces. The system will help document incidents, identify investigative leads and support follow-up investigations when crimes occur. Q: What will these cameras look like? JO: They will look like public safety camera systems commonly deployed in other municipalities throughout the country. Depending on the location and application, they may resemble cameras commonly seen at intersections, public facilities or other government properties. Q: Why are these cameras needed? What prompted you to pursue this path? JO: Like many law enforcement agencies, we continue to look for ways to improve public safety and enhance our investigative capabilities. Video evidence has become one of the most valuable tools available to investigators. We want members of the community to enjoy our parks, waterfront and other outdoor public spaces safely. It is our belief that these cameras will provide another tool to enhance public safety in those locations. The cameras will help deter criminal activity, assist officers in responding to incidents, and provide valuable evidence when crimes occur. We have experienced a variety of incidents in our parks over the years, including vandalism, arson, assaults, littering and other quality-of-life issues. By improving visibility in these public areas, the camera system can help officers identify problems more quickly, investigate incidents more effectively and help maintain safe and welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike. Q: How will officers and detectives use them? JO: The cameras will primarily be used for investigative purposes and real-time situational awareness when appropriate. Detectives may review footage following criminal incidents, while officers may use the system during active incidents to better understand developing situations. The goal is to provide another tool to help solve crimes and improve public safety. Q: Will footage recorded by these cameras be constituted as public records? In other words, could the public request footage captured by these cameras? JO: Any request for footage will be evaluated under Ohio's Public Records Act. Whether footage is released will depend on the nature of the request and any applicable legal exemptions, including protections related to ongoing criminal investigations, confidential law enforcement investigatory records and privacy considerations. Q: Where will they be located? JO: The cameras will be installed at several locations throughout the city, including Huron Park, Central Park, AMVETS Park, Farwell Park, Churchwell Park, Jaycee Park, All-Wheels Park, Orlando Pace Park, the Jackson Street Pier and select downtown intersections. The downtown locations include West Water Street and Columbus Avenue; East Market Street and Columbus Avenue; and East Water Street and Shoreline Drive. Q: How far can they capture footage? Is the imaging clear? JO: The cameras can produce high-quality video and images suitable for investigative purposes. They also provide pan-tilt-zoom capabilities, allowing officers to view larger areas and focus on specific activity when necessary. The effectiveness of the cameras will vary depending on environmental conditions, lighting, and the distance from the camera. Q: When will they be installed? JO: Installation is expected to occur within the next four months.