CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – With Mike Oliver taking over as sheriff, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is undertaking a comprehensive review and revision of their Flock camera policy.
The MCSO has had Flock license-plate-reading cameras since 2021, and they currently manage 11 fixed and five mobile Flock camera platforms. Like the Clarksville Police Department, which uses a similar technology from Motorola, MCSO has found them to be an important tool for law enforcement.
“Over the past several years, this technology has assisted law enforcement with a wide range of criminal investigations, including homicides, stolen vehicles, burglaries, robberies, missing persons and runaway juveniles,” MCSO spokesperson Lt. Bishop Delaney told Clarksville Now.
Delaney said with Oliver taking over as sheriff, their Flock camera policy will be reviewed and updated.
“The updated policy will establish clearer standards regarding personnel access, authorized uses of the system, documentation requirements and supervisory review,” Delaney said. “It will also include routine audits of system activity to ensure searches are conducted for legitimate law enforcement purposes and in accordance with agency policy.”
| PREVIOUSLY: Flock-style cameras in place for years in Clarksville: ‘It’s helped bring people to justice’
The use of Flock cameras has been under fire in recent months, including the Knox County Commission on Aug. 31 voting to remove LPR technology from their county due to privacy objections. Nationally, concerns have been raised about law enforcement workers accessing Flock data for personal use, such as tracking the movements of family members or ex-girlfriends.
Oliver: ‘Its use must come with appropriate safeguards’
Oliver told Clarksville Now the technology can be an important tool in protecting the community, but its use must come with appropriate safeguards.
“Our goal is to ensure Flock technology is used responsibly, for legitimate law enforcement purposes, and with the proper level of oversight expected by the public,” said Oliver.
“These changes are intended to strengthen accountability, transparency and supervisory oversight while ensuring this technology remains available to assist with legitimate law enforcement investigations. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to using available technology responsibly while balancing investigative effectiveness, public safety and the concerns of the community we serve.”
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