COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson is asking state lawmakers to make the misuse of automated license-plate reader systems a felony, as communities across central Ohio reconsider whether to keep using Flock cameras. Wilson said improper access to the systems should carry at least the same penalty as misuse of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway, or OH-LEG, which is classified as a fifth-degree felony. He said lawmakers could also consider a fourth-degree felony for some violations. The proposal follows investigations involving alleged misuse of Flock systems by two Reynoldsburg police officers, a Columbus police officer and a Franklin County Sheriff's Office deputy. The technology captures vehicle license plates and other identifying details, allowing investigators to search for vehicles connected to criminal investigations or missing-person cases. Supporters describe the cameras as a valuable investigative tool that can help officers find stolen vehicles, wanted people and individuals in crisis. Wilson called the technology a “force multiplier” and said law enforcement should have access to tools that can help prevent serious crimes. “We need to give our men and women in uniform every tool we can give them that will help protect the public, and this is one of the best tools I’ve seen in my career,” Wilson said. But the systems have also raised concerns about privacy, government surveillance and the role of private companies in collecting and storing sensitive information. Wilson said local governments can address some of those concerns through contracts that establish limits on data access, retention and sharing. He also said communities can consider competing license-plate reader companies rather than abandoning the technology altogether. “Every tool that we give to law enforcement, public safety is subject to misuse,” Wilson said. “Every tool is subject to abuse, so we need to have tight policies on how we regulate, how we audit and how we punish when those tools are misused.” Wilson said officers have a responsibility to protect both public safety and civil liberties, noting that law enforcement agencies have significant power over residents’ freedom and privacy. Columbus announced earlier in September that it was pausing its Flock program while investigating an officer who allegedly searched for the same license plates hundreds of times. Police Chief Elaine Bryant said the officer was relieved of duty while the investigation proceeds. Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny said the city discontinued its program after two officers became the subject of a misuse investigation. Begeny cited the need to balance possible safety benefits with public trust and concerns about surveillance. Other communities, including Hilliard, Buckeye Lake and Worthington Schools, have paused or ended their use of Flock cameras in recent months. Dublin and Bexley have said they will continue using the systems. Wilson said the decision ultimately belongs to local officials and residents, who must determine what level of surveillance they are willing to accept. He defended continued access to the cameras by pointing to cases in which the technology could help locate endangered people. “One kid, one child who’s kidnapped and killed who otherwise would have been able to be saved because of the cameras makes it all worth it,” Wilson said. Any criminal-penalty proposal would require action by the Ohio General Assembly. The attorney general’s recommendation does not itself change how local agencies may use Flock or other license-plate reader systems.