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A running, sourced timeline of how license-plate readers, body cams and AI policing tools are actually going — and what the failures cost taxpayers.

Timeline / entry

· Athens, OH

Athens City Council rejects expanded drone program for first responders

Athens City Council voted 5-2 to reject an expanded drone program for first responders on February 20, 2026. Residents opposed the proposal over civil liberties, immigration enforcement, cost, and surveillance. The city has an existing contract with Flock Safety costing $12,300 for license-plate scanning and camera access. Councilmember Michael Wood said he did not get elected to give up civil liberties. Council plans to revisit civil liberty protections for future drone deployments in committee.

$12,300Contract spendreportednot on THE TABExisting Flock Safety contract for license plate scanning; the rejected drone expansion was separate, but the cost figure was discussed.

Sources

  1. Athens rejects expansion of drone program for first responders — WOUB Public Media, Feb 20, 2026 (woub.org)

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