Benton County Commission postpones vote on Flock Safety license-plate readers after public privacy concerns

The Benton County Commission on Jan. 20 postponed consideration of a $42,000 contract with Flock Safety to install license-plate readers and live-view cameras countywide after members of the public urged rejection and commissioners voted to delay the measure.

Sheriff Ken Christopher sponsored the proposal, telling the commission the system would “increase arrest rates, promote public safety” and provide investigative value to deputies. The sheriff said Flock Safety agreed to limit data retention to 14 days and to share camera-generated data only with law-enforcement agencies.

Residents who spoke during the early Citizens Forum urged commissioners to reject the contract. Tim Vick, a Benton County 2nd District resident, urged commissioners to vote “No” on Resolution 20260120-13. Robert Jackson raised concerns about privacy, the types of data collected, bids and possible lawsuits. Alieen Davis similarly flagged privacy and data-collection issues.

Commissioner Price moved to bring the resolution to the floor; Commissioner Bain seconded. Commissioner Arnold then moved to postpone the resolution until the February 2026 commission meeting; Commissioner Kiehn seconded the postponement. On a roll-call vote the motion to postpone passed 17 Ayes, 0 No, with one commissioner absent.

The postponement leaves time for further public input and for commissioners to seek additional detail about contracts, data-retention policies, cost breakdowns and any legal limits on local use of license-plate-reader data. The county clerk recorded the vote; the item will return to the commission agenda in February.