Sheriff asks commission to adopt Flock camera policy; officials emphasize oversight and 90-day retention

Sheriff Eads told the Dickson County Commission the sheriff's office and county staff had developed a policy governing Flock license-plate-reader cameras and asked the commission to adopt it as a resolution that would give the commission enforcement oversight.

"It doesn't run your tag. We don't retain any of your information on your vehicle by state law. If that tag is not associated with a crime or on a hot list, then the information is deleted within 90 days," Sheriff Eads said, describing how the system compares reads to a vetted "hot list" and how the department would produce an annual report to the commission on usage and any misuse. The sheriff added that the equipment is leased annually, the county retains the data it needs, and not every deputy will have access to add tags to the system.

Commissioners and members of the public asked whether the cameras could be used for speed enforcement, how long data would be retained, and whether the vendor sells data. In response, the sheriff and staff said the system does not check vehicle speed and that the county would control disclosure: "They own the equipment, any updates, insurance... we own the information," the sheriff said during the discussion.

After a period of questions and public concern about privacy and potential misuse, the commission voted to move the proposed resolution to the regular session for formal adoption and further review. Proponents emphasized the tool's role in recovering stolen vehicles and aiding investigations; critics urged caution and asked for firm safeguards around retention, access and reporting.