Greers Ferry Police Chief to Remove License Plate Cameras Citing Privacy Concerns

Greers Ferry Police Chief David Starbuck announced Wednesday that the department will discontinue its use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras. Starbuck stated that he will contact the company to formally suspend the service and begin the process of removing the cameras from the city.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Starbuck said in a public statement. “As Chief of Police, I believe the safety of our community must always be balanced with the privacy, trust, and concerns of the citizens we serve.”

Starbuck expressed gratitude to local residents who voiced opinions about the surveillance system. He emphasized that the department strives to prioritize transparency and accountability and will continue working to ensure public safety.

Flock Safety’s license plate readers use cameras and artificial intelligence to assist law enforcement in monitoring vehicles and investigating crimes. The Atlanta-based company has deployed the technology in thousands of cities across the country.

The move by Greers Ferry follows a national trend. At least 23 jurisdictions in the United States have canceled or declined to renew Flock contracts in recent months, citing concerns about potential privacy violations, such as warrantless vehicle tracking or unauthorized data access by federal agencies. In some communities, public opposition has led to local governments voting against the systems, while in rare instances, residents have taken actions to disable or damage the cameras.

Flock Safety has stated that its systems focus on vehicle data rather than individual information. Supporters of the technology, including many law enforcement agencies, argue that the cameras are effective at solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and generating investigative leads that traditional policing methods might overlook.

In Greers Ferry, citizen input played a key role in the police department’s decision. Starbuck said the department “belongs to this community,” and reiterated his commitment to serving residents while aligning with their concerns.