City Council Recap: Road Projects, Public Safety and September Updates
Harrison City Council’s Sept. 1 meeting included a detailed look at how the Harrison Police Department uses Flock Safety cameras, updates on several road projects and traffic changes, and a busy calendar of community events coming up in September.
Harrison Police Explains How Flock Cameras Are Used
With questions about Flock cameras being raised both locally and across the country, Lieutenant Seiter gave Council a detailed presentation on Harrison’s use of the automated license plate reader technology.
The Harrison Police Department currently operates six stationary Flock cameras located near major routes into and out of the City. Seiter explained that the cameras capture a still image of the rear of a vehicle and its license plate, along with information such as the vehicle’s make, model, color and direction of travel.
The cameras do not provide live video or use facial recognition, Seiter said. Harrison’s cameras photograph the rear of vehicles, so the image itself does not show officers who is driving.
According to Seiter, Harrison’s current data-retention period is 30 days, and the data collected by the City’s cameras is owned by the Harrison Police Department. The Department determines which other law enforcement agencies may access its data and can deny or revoke that access. Lieutenant Seiter said Harrison currently shares access with approved law enforcement agencies, primarily in Ohio and nearby Indiana.
Council members asked specifically about safeguards against improper searches. Lieutenant Seiter said every search must be tied to a valid case number or computer-aided dispatch event and include a documented investigative reason. Searches are electronically logged, and a captain, lieutenant and sergeant have audit authority. The Department requires a systemwide audit at least once every 30 days, and Seiter said Harrison has recorded no unauthorized searches since beginning its use of the stationary system approximately three years ago.
Seiter said Department policy prohibits using the system for personal reasons or curiosity, harassment, intimidation or retaliation, as well as monitoring individuals or groups or conducting searches based on characteristics such as race, religion, gender or national origin.
Lieutenant Seiter also emphasized that an alert from the system alone is not sufficient for an officer to make a stop. An officer must first visually confirm the vehicle and license plate, check the information through the Department’s law enforcement system and verify that the underlying warrant, stolen vehicle report or other alert remains valid before initiating contact.
The Department uses the cameras as an investigative tool in cases involving stolen vehicles, wanted persons, missing or endangered people, thefts and other crimes. Seiter shared examples in which Flock data helped investigators develop leads in Harrison cases, locate missing people and assist other law enforcement agencies. He also described a case in which the system helped investigators verify that a person was not present in the area of a suspicious death during the relevant time period.
Lieutenant Seiter stressed throughout the presentation that the technology does not replace an officer’s investigation.
Residents who have additional questions about how Harrison’s cameras are used, how information is shared or the safeguards governing searches are encouraged to contact Lieutenant Detective Robert Seiter through the Harrison Police Department.
Lieutenant Seiter’s complete presentation slides are attached below for residents who would like to review the information presented to Council.
Road Projects Bring More Traffic Changes
Several major road projects are moving ahead, with Council asking residents to continue watching for changing traffic patterns.
The eastbound I-74 ramps at Dry Fork Road reopened Sept. 3, several days ahead of the original schedule. The westbound ramps are scheduled to close Sept. 14 for approximately 45 days as work continues on the Dry Fork Road bridge project.
Councilman Bill Neyer reminded drivers to use additional caution whenever traffic configurations change, particularly during the first several days when motorists are adjusting to new routes.
Planning is also underway for additional improvements along Dry Fork Road. The section north of the overpass toward the roundabout near the school is currently in design, with construction anticipated in 2027. The City is also beginning design work for improvements south of the overpass toward Harrison Avenue, currently anticipated as a 2028 project.
Additional projects discussed included new turn lanes near Edgewood Road and New Haven Road, future improvements to Enterprise Drive and a traffic study in the 1600 block of Harrison Avenue.
The City is also pursuing grant funding for improvements to Broadway and Sycamore streets while considering City-funded work on North and South Walnut streets.
Public Works has begun using new street-condition assessment technology to provide more consistent information about pavement conditions throughout Harrison. The data will help the City identify which streets need the most attention and prioritize future maintenance investments.
September Recognizes Two Cancer Awareness Efforts
Mayor Ryan Grubbs issued two proclamations recognizing September as Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education Month and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Harrison.
The proclamations emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection, recognized families affected by cancer and acknowledged the organizations supporting patients and families throughout treatment and recovery.
Around Harrison
Mayor Grubbs reminded residents that Captain Joe Ramsey has been selected as Harrison’s next police chief. The coming months will provide time for a planned transition with Police Chief Charles Lindsey before Ramsey assumes the role in early 2027.
The City continues to hear concerns about traffic congestion associated with construction and growth. Mayor Grubbs said Harrison is working with surrounding jurisdictions and regional partners as it considers improvements to the road network and asked residents for continued patience while several major projects are underway.
The Technology and Media Committee also reported that the City is continuing to strengthen its cybersecurity protections and employee training. Work on the City’s new website is progressing, and the recently posted communications position has generated significant interest, with interviews expected to begin soon.
The City Wide Yard Sale will be held Saturday (Sept. 12) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harrison Community Center, 300 George Street. Veterans will be available to collect appropriate unsold donations, and a dumpster will be available for items that cannot be donated.
September at the Harrison Library
The Harrison Branch Library also shared several upcoming programs.
The Alzheimer’s Association will present “Empowered Caregiver: Building Foundations of Caregiving” at 6 p.m. Sept. 9. Registration is recommended.
Customer Appreciation Day will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 19, with family activities, crafts, refreshments, giveaways and a plant and harvest swap.
Raptor Inc. will visit the library at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 for a birds of prey program presented in partnership with the Shaker Farms Garden Club. Registration is required.
The library also continues to offer free, walk-in homework help during the school year. Assistance is available from 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and from 2 to 6 p.m. Fridays.
To watch the full Sept. 1 City Council meeting, visit ICRC-TV below for the complete recording.
Lieutenant Seiter’s Flock Safety Presentation
The presentation slides shared with City Council are attached below for residents who would like to review them in full.
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