Kent State University has entered into a partnership with Flock Safety to use technology to increase safety for the campus community. The agreement reaffirms the university's commitment to safeguarding its students and staff via this proactive approach by installing Flock Safety LPR cameras at key spots around Kent Campus.
These cameras can detect suspicious vehicles and activities to assist officers in responding swiftly to potential threats. Police agencies across Portage County and Ohio, along with Ohio State, the University of Akron and the University of Cincinnati, are already using similar security systems. Flock cameras supplement the already robust university video camera system and other public safety technologies.
How Flock cameras work:
The following information is offered for those who would like to learn more:
Can federal agencies see Kent State's data by default?
No. Federal agencies and other outside organizations cannot see the university's data by default. Kent State controls if, when, and with whom it shares, and the university can turn sharing off or revoke it at any time.
Can other law enforcement agencies or organizations access Kent State's cameras or data without the university's knowledge?
No. Other law enforcement agencies or organizations cannot access the university's cameras or data without the Kent State's knowledge.
Does Kent State work with DHS or ICE/CBP, or sell them data?
No. Kent State does not contract with DHS agencies, nor does it sell or share data with DHS.
Is there a “backdoor,” or can Kent State quietly change the logs?
No. Audit logs are designed to be complete, transparent, and reviewable. Entries are written automatically, retained for oversight, and cannot be quietly edited or overwritten; changes to sharing or settings appear as separate events, not hidden modifications.
What do audit logs capture, and are searches justified?
Audit tools capture who searched, when, what they searched, which agency they’re from, and the associated offense type, creating a record Kent State can review and, if needed, share with appropriate oversight bodies. Searches are tied to a standardized NIBRS-based offense type, so there is a clear public-safety justification documented for every search.
How is accidental or unauthorized federal access being prevented going forward?
Kent State has implemented stricter sharing settings, permanent logging of sharing changes, NIBRS-based justifications, and state-specific guardrails.
For more information about campus safety, visit https://www.kent.edu/campus-safety