Pulaski County sheriff addresses privacy concerns over Flock cameras
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PULASKI COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — Pulaski County Sheriff Stacy Ball is addressing concerns about automated license plate reader cameras operating throughout the county, saying the technology is used as a law enforcement tool and is subject to oversight.
Ball said Flock cameras have been operating throughout Pulaski County for months. The cameras do not conduct traffic stops, issue citations or determine whether someone has committed a crime.
According to Ball, deputies use the technology for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including investigations involving stolen vehicles, wanted or violent offenders, burglaries, kidnappings and AMBER, Silver and Blue alerts.
Ball said the sheriff’s office has previously used Flock cameras to locate stolen vehicles, recover stolen property and assist in locating suspects.
The sheriff also acknowledged concerns about privacy and government use of the technology.
Ball said he reviews the department’s Flock usage monthly, including searches conducted by deputies. Personnel authorized to use the system are required to complete training, and unauthorized or personal use could result in discipline, including termination.
The sheriff’s office also has a policy governing use of the technology that Ball said is available to the public through the department’s website and app.
According to Ball, routine Flock data is automatically deleted after the applicable retention period unless it is legally preserved as evidence or as part of an investigation.
Ball also warned against damaging or disabling the cameras, saying they are county property and vandalizing them could result in a criminal investigation, restitution and potential felony charges.
“You don’t have to like Flock cameras. You don’t have to agree with me about them,” Ball said. “You absolutely have the right to question how your Sheriff’s Office uses technology.”
Ball said the department will continue using the cameras while monitoring how deputies access the system.
“It is a tool. We will use it lawfully. We will monitor its use. And we will hold anyone accountable who abuses it,” Ball said.
