Episode: 17 Air Date: August 19th, 2026
Editor’s Note: This podcast reflects the opinions and perspectives of the host and guests and is not a product of our editorial staff, including Central Current’s editors and reporters. The program may be edited in post-production for length and clarity.
Technological advances over the last decade have transformed the surveillance camera: Traditionally, a human was required to review recorded video and gather any relevant information. Today, tools like license plate readers and AI-enabled cameras are able to automatically process visual data as part of an expanding and searchable surveillance network.
Over the past two years, reporter Patrick McCarthy has been tracking how modern surveillance technology is being used by Syracuse police. In 2025, Patrick revealed that Syracuse driver data captured by the city’s Flock Safety cameras was being inadvertently shared with thousands of departments across the country — a revelation that led to the termination of the city’s contract with Flock Safety and signing a new agreement with Axon.
In this episode, Patrick takes listeners inside the growing public debate over this technology, the ways its being used locally, and what we know so far about its impact on crime and safety.
Related reading:
Federal immigration agents accessed Syracuse drivers’ data through secret Flock Safety deal
Flock Safety removes its license plate readers, finalizing eight-month breakup with City of Syracuse
Axon license plate readers go live in Syracuse. State legislator calls it ‘a constant, warrantless surveillance system’
Flock’s Cameras Remain Civil Liberties Threat Despite Updates
Read more of Central Current’s coverage
McMahon signs term limits compromise, ending spat until November
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon repeatedly pointed out the similarities between the compromise reached through a judge and the one he proposed in late-July.
Syracuse Housing Authority Board Chair Ryan Benz resigns
Former Executive Director Bill Simmons complained to the federal government earlier this year accusing Benz of having an “apparent conflict of interest”— a claim that SHA counsel has dismissed and the developer has denied.
At the New York State Fair, Waymo sells its future as inevitable. Is it?
The company is gaining establishment political support and for a day has its own space at the Great New York State Fair.
Sean Kirst: Until its last gasp, a second-hand lawn mower honored work of Syracuse small-engine wizard ‘Dr. Mark’
Fond memories of a throwback repair shop — and its memorable regulars — on Grand Avenue.
Announcing an expanded twice-weekly newsletter
Central Current readers will now receive two newsletters each week: “Staying Current” and “One Big Story”.
