Hays County Residents Urge Commissioners to Reject Flock License Plate Surveillance Expansion

The Hays County commissioners meeting on September 2, 2025, featured a heated debate over the proposed expansion of the Flock license plate surveillance program. Community members expressed strong concerns regarding privacy and civil liberties, urging the commissioners to vote against the program.

Several residents voiced their opposition, highlighting the potential risks associated with the surveillance technology. Critics argued that Flock's use of artificial intelligence to monitor travel patterns could lead to unwarranted police reports and violations of Fourth Amendment rights. They pointed to the company's past legal troubles, including unauthorized camera installations in South Carolina and ongoing investigations by Congress.

Christine Terrell, a resident of Willow Creek Circle, emphasized the broader implications of surveillance, stating that it threatens the privacy rights of all Hays County residents. She called for the commissioners to protect civil liberties rather than erode them, asserting that real safety comes from community investment rather than surveillance systems.

In contrast, some supporters of the Flock program defended its utility in law enforcement. Sam Young from San Marcos argued that the technology is a valuable tool for police, citing instances where it aided in solving crimes. He noted that many businesses use surveillance cameras without public outcry, suggesting that the opposition's concerns may be misplaced.

Sharon Lockett, another resident, expressed a balanced view, supporting the legal collection of information for public safety while advocating for strict governance and accountability in its use.

The meeting underscored a significant divide in community sentiment regarding surveillance technology, with implications for future policy decisions in Hays County. The commissioners will need to weigh these perspectives carefully as they consider the expansion of the Flock program.