Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office to discontinue Flock cameras

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PULASKI COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office will discontinue its use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras following concerns from residents about privacy and government surveillance.

Sheriff Stacy Ball announced the decision in a letter to residents, saying the department will not renew its contract with Flock or replace the system with Axon technology.

Ball said he had personally monitored the department’s use of the cameras, reviewed searches and implemented audits and stronger policies. He said he believes deputies used the technology responsibly and for legitimate law enforcement purposes.

However, Ball said residents raised concerns about privacy, potential misuse, government surveillance and how the technology could be used in the future.

“Sometimes leadership means listening to the people you serve,” Ball said.

After weighing the technology’s benefits against residents’ concerns, Ball said he determined ending the program was the right decision for Pulaski County.

The sheriff said discontinuing the cameras will not change the department’s approach to law enforcement, adding that deputies will continue efforts to find suspects, investigate drug trafficking, locate missing people and recover stolen property.

“Technology is important, but no piece of technology is more important than the trust of the people we serve,” Ball said.

Ball said the department will continue seeking other tools while prioritizing residents’ constitutional rights.