This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — The recent Flock Camera controversy in Warsaw has led to a pending policy change.
Questions arose recently about a donation fund set up by the county to help finance a program that has since been abruptly discontinued.
Attorney Travis McConnell brought up the issue at a recent county commissioners’ meeting, pointing out that the fund should have been approved also by the county council.
On Tuesday, county attorney Ed Ormsby updated the commissioners and said the ordinance did not follow the latest guidance from the State Board of Accounts.
“They recommend that appropriation be done, and so the commissioners are in the process, in concurrence with the auditor, of identifying those donation funds that do not have appropriation requirements in them. And I think that the commissioners are wanting to do that to consider amending those ordinances so that they are in compliance with the SBOA guidance,” Ormsby said.
He also recommended the commissioners take action on the matter soon.
Ormsby’s statement came moments after the commissioners formally terminated their contract with Flock Safety, which is the biggest provider of the surveillance camera systems in the country.
The Flock donation fund is also being dissolved.
Public outrage over the use of Flock cameras reached a tipping point on Sept. 10 when a large crowd turned out at a county council meeting to call for the defunding, saying use of the 31 cameras set up across the county represented a violation of the right to privacy.
More than 80 people at that meeting could be heard yelling angrily from outside the courthouse as council listened to comments. Inside, officials faced numerous outbursts from opponents.
Council then voted unanimously to defund the program, and County Prosecutor Brad Voelz announced a day later that the cameras would be taken down promptly.
On Tuesday, County Commissioner Bob Conley invited public input but urged people to remain civil, saying he didn’t want to see it turn into a debate.
Flock opponents thanked the commissioners for their action, and McConnell urged them to take another step.
“I appreciate the willingness that this board has already shown to stand up for the rights of the people it represents. I’m asking you to consider continuing that commitment here,” McConnell said during adoption of the meeting set aside for public comment.
“I’m presenting to you today with the proposed mass surveillance sanctuary ordinance. I’m not asking you to adopt my language simply because I put it in front of you. I’m asking you to take it, review it with counsel, amend it where you believe it is amended, and seriously consider the principle behind it.
The proposal mirrors a Second Amendment “sanctuary” policy established by the county several years ago in an effort to protect gun rights.
Another Flock opponent, Chris Plack, also addressed the donation fund issue.
“When it comes to 4912, an ordinance was written, the fund was created, money started moving through it, and somehow we got years down the road before we were having the conversation we’re having now today about whether the process was even proper,” Plack said.
He urged county officials to slow down when contemplating future policies.
“Take the time to look at it. Send it to the council. Ask our attorney to review it. Review the contracts and stress test it against the legal limitations,” Plack added.
Cassie Rolon, the Kosciusko County Libertarian Party chair, also addressed the commissioner and alleged, without evidence, that more cameras were apparently being installed. She sought details on the issue.
The commissioners listened, but did not respond.
