In Henry County, Virginia, local pressure appears to have played a major role in a sheriff's decision to cut off access to the Flock Safety system before the contract has even expired, WFXR reported.
Here's what to know
The Henry County Sheriff's Office said, according to WFXR, that it expects to let its Flock Safety agreement expire. In the meantime, the department has disabled deputies' access to the cameras while looking at "other options."
The department joined the program in 2023 through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. There were plans for 10 fixed Flock cameras and four mobile units. When the system was rolled out, Sheriff Wayne Davis said he wanted the office to remain "on the cutting edge of modern law enforcement technology and investigative tools."
That enthusiasm has shifted, though. Davis said that outlook changed as worries about privacy intensified and accounts of misuse surfaced in other parts of the country. He added that the contract currently runs through August 2028, but the department is also weighing a possible early termination.
More background
In many communities, automated camera systems are marketed as efficient investigative tools, but residents want to know how much data is collected, who can access it, and how long that information is stored.
There have been many cases including false accusations of crimes and employees searching up license plates in Flock's security system for non-professional reasons as well.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Surveillance systems increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, which is becoming more connected to the energy grid. While predictive AI can help improve cleaner energy systems, it's generative AI that creates security risks and usually runs on heavy electricity and water use.
What's being done?
In addition to terminating current access, Davis indicated that the office is reviewing alternatives, which could mean seeking investigative tools with different safeguards or less extensive data collection.
Toward the end of his statement, which WFXR shared, Davis said, "I have listened to our community, I have carefully considered the facts, and I believe discontinuing our use of Flock technology is the right decision for Henry County at this time."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
