RUSSELL COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) – A sheriff’s deputy was fired in Lee County and a police officer is under investigation in LaGrange for potential misuse involving Flock cameras. The incidents have prompted discussion about the ethics surrounding the technology and whether it should continue to be used.
Cities cancel camera contracts
According to a report from ABC News, more than 50 cities and counties have deactivated or canceled the automatic license plate recognition cameras made by the company Flock.
Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor said his office uses the cameras to help solve many different kinds of cases. He said the potential removal of the cameras is an overreach.
“I certainly don’t think that you do away with a tool as valuable as that on public roads because somebody misused it,” Taylor said.
Professor points to storage concerns
Columbus State University Assistant Professor in the School of Policy, Justice and Public Safety Dr. Patrice Kerner said there are concerns beyond misuse of the technology…