We are back! After a month away from the microphones, Robert and Tom returned with plenty to talk about. The show opens on a somber note as they reflect on the passing of podcasting legend John C. Dvorak before diving into one of Ohio’s biggest ongoing debates: Flock Safety cameras. From Cleveland City Council to privacy concerns, security breaches, and citizen pushback, this episode takes a deep look at the technology that’s quietly spreading across communities—and the questions that come with it.
🎙 Remembering John C. Dvorak
The episode begins with the sad news of the passing of John C. Dvorak, longtime co-host of the best podcast in the universe, No Agenda. Robert and Tom share their thoughts on what his loss means to the No Agenda community and the podcasting world as a whole.
Robert reflects on the uncertainty surrounding the future of No Agenda, wondering how Adam Curry will carry on after losing his longtime friend and co-host. So as of now, Curry appears fully active and running No Agenda solo (with the promised fill-in co-hosts rotating in).
ITM JCD, now and forever.
📹 Cleveland City Council Renews Flock Cameras
The main topic of the episode focuses on Ohio’s rapidly expanding network of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras. The temporary extension keeps Cleveland’s 100 license plate readers operating while officials seek bids for a replacement before the contract expires in December.
Robert and Tom begin with Cleveland City Council’s decision to renew the city’s Flock Safety contract despite concerns voiced by some council members. The discussion explores the balance between public safety and personal privacy, as well as how these camera systems continue to spread across Northeast Ohio.
Source:
🔗: Cleveland City Council Warily Approves Flock Safety Renewal
🚔 Flock Cameras Targeted in Lorain County
The conversation then shifts west as multiple Flock cameras in Lorain County were vandalized.
The guys discuss why some residents have become so opposed to the technology that they are taking matters into their own hands. Whether driven by privacy concerns or frustration with increased surveillance, the incidents illustrate just how controversial these systems have become.
Source:
🔗: String of vandalized Flock cameras spans Lorain County
🤖 Breaking Down the AI Behind the Cameras
Beyond simply reading license plates, Robert and Tom examine the artificial intelligence powering Flock cameras.
They discuss how AI can identify vehicle characteristics, patterns of movement, and other information that many people may not realize is being collected. The conversation raises broader questions about how much surveillance technology is becoming part of everyday life.
Source:
▶️ YouTube: Breaking The Creepy AI in Police Cameras
🔓 When Surveillance Gets Hacked
One of the biggest concerns surrounding these systems is what happens when the data falls into the wrong hands.
The guys discuss reports of a Flock-related data leak and the alarming possibilities when sensitive vehicle information becomes accessible to unauthorized users. It’s a reminder that while technology can help solve crimes, it also creates new cybersecurity risks and overreach.
Source:
▶️ YouTube: This Flock Camera Leak is like Netflix For Stalkers
🏛 Citizens Push Back
The discussion wraps up with an example of local residents speaking directly to government officials.
Robert and Tom highlight testimony presented before the Dunwoody, Georgia City Council regarding a proposed Flock Safety contract. The hearing demonstrates that debates over privacy, transparency, and surveillance are happening across the country—not just in Ohio.
The episode also touches on DeFlock, a growing movement encouraging communities to reconsider or oppose expanded license plate reader networks. Check out your area, let us know what you are seeing, and email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com.
Sources:
▶️ YouTube: My testimony at Dunwoody, GA city council hearing regarding a Flock Safety contract.
🔗: DeFlock
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