Pulaski County discontinues the use of Flock Cameras
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office has announced that it will discontinue the use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras.
In a statement on Facebook, posted by the sheriff's office Thursday morning, Sheriff Stacy Ball said that he took an oath to support and defend the Constitution, and that his responsibility is to protect the community.
"My responsibility is not only to protect you and your families from crime, but also to protect and respect your constitutional rights and individual liberties," said Ball.
Ball goes on to say that there have been genuine concerns about privacy, misuse and what the technology could mean for the future. He says that he has heard the concerns.
"Sometimes leadership means listening to the people you serve," Ball wrote.
Ball said that this does not mean the sheriff's office is going backwards, and that they will be coming for criminals with or without Flock.
"Our deputies and detectives were doing damn good police work long before Flock ever showed up, and they'll be doing damn good police work after it's gone," said Ball.
Flock has come under nationwide criticism after multiple reports of police abusing the system. Opponents also express more general worries about civil rights and the cameras' ability to do more than just read license plates.
An advocacy group has formed in Columbia to oppose the police department's use of the cameras.
Ball said that the sheriff's office will continue protecting Pulaski County while finding the right tools.
"Aggressively when it comes to criminals, professionally when it comes to our duties, and constitutionally when it comes to your rights," said Ball.
Ball ends the statement by saying that although people may not always agree, he will listen and make the decisions he believes are right for the citizens of Pulaski County.
"Your voice matters. Your rights matter. Your trust matters," said Ball.
Ball followed the original post with a second one showing an email chain with a Flock representative canceling the county's contract.
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office held a Community Forum on Thursday, where this announcement was first made
ABC 17 News has reached out to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office for a comment.
