KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs is challenging the validity of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office agreement with Flock Safety, arguing that the county does not currently have a legal contract governing the use of the company’s license plate reader cameras.
The issue came to light during a Knox County Commission workshop, where commissioners, residents, and even some sheriff’s office personnel learned of a letter Jacobs sent to Flock’s chief executive officer.
In the letter, Jacobs states that he does not believe the current agreement between Knox County and Flock is valid and says the county should not continue operating under it.
Questions Surround 2020 Contract
According to Jacobs, the original contract for Flock cameras was signed in 2020.
The mayor argues that agreement should have expired in 2024, but approximately 140 cameras remain in operation throughout Knox County.
“I sent the letter to Flock saying I don’t believe we have a contract,” Jacobs said during the workshop.
Jacobs also questioned what legal authority has governed the cameras since the original agreement allegedly expired.
“The sheriff’s office saying this falls under this new contract which I’ve never signed,” Jacobs said. “We have a two year gap now and if you’re saying now well this new contract governs the old cameras, what’s been governing them since the old contract expired?”
Purchasing Practices Under Scrutiny
The debate over Flock cameras has intensified in recent weeks as commissioners examine how the system was purchased and expanded.
Officials noted that several purchases were made just below the threshold that would have required additional county review and approval.
Commissioners have pointed to purchases totaling $24,990, just $10 below the $25,000 level that would have triggered review by the mayor’s office.
Resident Christian Breeden, who opposes the camera network, said the purchasing pattern raises concerns.
“That is a concern to me as a citizen. That shows me someone was trying to hide something,” Breeden said.
Jacobs cited those concerns in his letter, noting that while the initial contract value was below approval requirements, expenditures have since grown significantly.
According to the mayor, Knox County has spent nearly $300,000 on Flock equipment and services, far exceeding the amount that would have required Knox County Commission approval.
Connection to Former KCSO Official
Jacobs’ letter states that former Knox County Sheriff’s Office Captain Aaron Yarnell initiated the original agreement with Flock in 2020.
Yarnell is among 11 current and former sheriff’s office employees who have been indicted in an ongoing theft conspiracy case involving the department.
While the mayor’s concerns focus on contract and procurement issues, the connection has added to questions surrounding the program’s management.
Flock Defends Technology
During the workshop, Flock representatives were asked about the effectiveness of the cameras.
Alex Guth of Flock said the technology has become a valuable crime-fighting tool for law enforcement agencies nationwide.
“We are blessed to say we are solving over 10% of the crime in the United States,” Guth said.
Supporters of the system argue license plate readers help investigators locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and assist in criminal investigations.
Critics, however, continue to raise concerns about privacy, surveillance, transparency, and government oversight.
Existing Cameras Remain Operational
Despite the contract dispute, the current network of Flock cameras remains active throughout Knox County.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has paused plans to install additional cameras while discussions continue.
Commissioners are expected to consider the issue again soon, with a vote on a proposal to remove the cameras potentially coming as early as next Monday.
Sheriff-Elect Brent Gibson, Mayor-Elect Betsy Henderson, and Flock Safety did not provide comment on the issue, according to WVLT.
For now, the future of the Flock camera system remains uncertain as county leaders continue debating both the legality of the contract and the role of surveillance technology in Knox County law enforcement.
