License-plate reader contract pulled after public concern and debate
Sheriff Ken Christopher withdrew two resolutions authorizing a Flock Safety license-plate reader contract and related appropriation after public comment urged a temporary hold; the commission did not vote on those items. The debate highlighted privacy and deployment concerns raised during citizens forum.
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Sheriff Ken Christopher asked the Benton County Commission to authorize a contract with Flock Safety for license-plate readers and to appropriate $30,000 to cover annual costs and equipment. The sheriff argued the system would be a ‘‘valuable investigative tool’’ and would ‘‘increase arrest rates’’ as stated in the resolution language. The contract authorization (Resolution No. 20250818-15) and the appropriation (Resolution No. 20250818-18) were both pulled from consideration by the sheriff and were not voted on.
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