For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been hearing a lot about Flock cameras. WECT has done a lot of the heavy lifting in reporting out the story. More recently, we dedicated last Sunday’s column to the issue and covered protesters at the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners’ meeting.
While Sheriff Ed McMahon did agree to deliver a written statement to WECT, he declined to answer follow-up questions, to the frustration of reporters and residents alike. But he did answer over a dozen questions sent earlier this month by Commissioner Stephanie Walker.
“I believe it is important to look at the Flock system in its proper context. The Sheriff’s Office uses LPR technology as an investigative tool to help solve crimes, locate stolen vehicles and missing or endangered persons, and develop investigative leads. It is not intended to be a system for indiscriminate surveillance of our community. The Sheriff’s Office is also an accredited law-enforcement agency through CALEA. Our policies and procedures are developed and maintained consistent with applicable law, accreditation requirements, and recognized law-enforcement best practices,” McMahon wrote…