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Candidates say flock camera use needs transparency and oversight
Summary
Audience questions about automated license-plate systems ('flock cameras') prompted mixed responses: some candidates said cameras can help catch criminals if used properly, while others called for clarity on control, data storage and access before expanding use. Multiple speakers said sheriff's office policy, not the county mayor, governs deployment.
A question from the audience about "flock cameras" (automated license-plate recognition systems) drew cautious remarks and calls for transparency.
Mayor Randall Hutto said the county commission did not authorize such cameras and termed it a sheriff's department issue: "We don't have any control over that. That is a sheriff's department issue." Gail Hellum said the technology "can serve a very good purpose" if used correctly but urged independent study and oversight to prevent abuse. Christina Puza Smith emphasized uncertainty over how data are stored and who can access it, saying "we don't know where that data is getting stored, and that is where we're having some transparency issues with the company flock." Candidates agreed baseline metrics and public controls are needed before expanding or relying on the technology.
No candidate proposed an immediate county-level ban; several suggested further study, public reporting and clearer controls over access to surveillance data.
