SULLIVAN Co,, TN (WOKI) – The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has suspended the use of its license plate reader camera system while county leaders consider whether residents should have a direct say in its future.
In a statement released Monday, Sullivan County Sheriff Jeffrey Cassidy announced that the agency’s use of Flock license plate reader cameras, commonly known as LPRs, will be halted until further notice.
Cassidy said the technology has proven to be a valuable law enforcement tool, assisting deputies with criminal investigations, locating missing persons and identifying vehicles connected to crimes. However, he said public concerns surrounding privacy and government surveillance have become increasingly prominent.
“In reference to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Flock contract, I want to express my serious concerns regarding the manner in which this issue has been handled,” Cassidy said, noting that the discussion has become the subject of political debate and public controversy.
The sheriff said his office currently operates 10 Flock cameras throughout Sullivan County, all positioned along state highways.
Despite citing the benefits of the system, Cassidy said he understands the concerns many residents have expressed regarding data collection, oversight and individual privacy.
“Despite the benefits these cameras can provide and the safeguards in place, I understand the use of these cameras raises legitimate concerns about privacy, oversight and government surveillance,” Cassidy said. “For that reason, we have suspended the use of LPR cameras and believe the people of Sullivan County should have the opportunity to decide whether this technology should continue to be used by the Sheriff’s Office.”
As part of that effort, Cassidy is asking the Sullivan County Commission to discuss the issue further and consider placing a referendum on a future ballot.
Under his proposal, county voters would decide whether the Sheriff’s Office should continue funding and using Flock cameras or other license plate reader technology as a law enforcement resource.
Cassidy emphasized that a local vote would impact only the Sheriff’s Office’s use of the technology. Private businesses and other law enforcement agencies would still be able to operate license plate reader systems where permitted by law.
The sheriff encouraged residents to become informed about how the technology works, what information it collects and how it is used by law enforcement agencies before any future vote.
He also stressed that the issue should not be viewed through a political lens.
“This should not be about politics,” Cassidy said. “It should be about giving the people of Sullivan County the facts and the opportunity to decide for themselves.”
County officials have not yet announced whether the commission will consider a referendum proposal or when the issue could appear on a future meeting agenda.
