ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank is seeking public input on the future use of Flock license plate reader cameras in the county, citing concerns raised by residents about privacy and government oversight.
Frank announced that she has requested a public meeting opportunity to discuss the technology and its use by local law enforcement. The issue was expected to be discussed Monday during a meeting of the county’s Operations Committee.
According to Frank, numerous citizens have contacted her with questions and concerns regarding the camera system.
“I have been contacted by many citizens with concerns,” Frank wrote on social media. “Tonight at our Operations meeting, I have a request for a public meeting opportunity regarding Flock Cameras.”
Sheriff Willing to Participate
Frank said she has spoken with Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker, who indicated he would participate in a public discussion about the technology.
“I have spoken with Sheriff Barker and our Sheriff’s Department use is limited,” Frank said. “Sheriff Barker indicated he is willing to be a part of an official discussion or meeting addressing the topic.”
According to the mayor, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office currently operates four Flock license plate reader cameras, including three stationary cameras and one mobile unit.
Concerns About Oversight
Frank said one of her primary concerns is the lack of clear regulatory oversight for the expanding technology.
“As has been pointed out in other jurisdictions, there appears to be little to no regulatory oversight federally or at the state level,” she said.
Frank added that residents have legitimate questions about how the systems collect and retain data and whether the technology could eventually create what some perceive as a form of mass surveillance.
“Citizens rightly have concerns about the advancing technology that inadvertently may be creating a warrantless mass surveillance system, as I do,” Frank said. “We need to ensure that as policymakers and decisionmakers we understand the technology, we understand the policies, and we share this information with the public.”
Debate Follows Knox County Controversy
The discussion in Anderson County comes as neighboring Knox County continues to debate the use of Flock cameras.
Earlier this summer, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office paused a proposal to install nearly 300 Flock cameras after public opposition and concerns raised by elected officials, including Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.
Supporters of the systems argue license plate reader cameras can help law enforcement locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects and solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy protections, data retention policies and government surveillance.
Public Meeting May Be Scheduled
County leaders are expected to discuss scheduling a public meeting where residents can hear directly from law enforcement officials and ask questions about how the technology is being used in Anderson County.
No date for a public forum has been announced.
