Image Credit: Knox County Commission & Tony Webster / CC.
Article by David Seal, Tennessee Conservative News –
A celebration is under way across Knox County after the Knox County Commission voted to remove electronic surveillance cameras from county property.
The citizens of Knox County made it clear that unwarranted surveillance of the public would not be tolerated, and the vote of commissioners to remove surveillance equipment was unanimous.
For background on the issue and to see the text of the unamended emergency resolution, our previous coverage of the issue is linked here.
When the Knox County Commission met to act on unwarranted surveillance equipment on August 31, 2026, language was amended to strengthen the emergency resolution calling for greater transparency and to provide the County Commission with oversight authority.
“This amendment was to make sure that no operations will use surveillance data, until the legislative body, the commission, can establish policies and/or determine whether such a unit can exist in Knox County.” – said Andy Fox, 9th District County Commissioner
The text of the amendment is provided below.
WHEREAS, the Knox County Commission intends that surveillance technologies not expressly permitted by this Ordinance shall not remain operational; and
WHEREAS, the Knox County Commission finds that the proposed Advanced Research & Communications Center (“ARC”), also referred to as the “Virtual Crime Center,” should not become operational without a transparent, data-driven demonstration of its public-safety need, proposed operations, safeguards, and financial impact;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that any surveillance technology, equipment, system, or capability subject to this Ordinance that is not expressly permitted herein shall, within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this Ordinance, cease operation and data collection, be disabled, and be removed from its deployed location.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Advanced Research & Communications Center (“ARC”), also referred to as the “Virtual Crime Center,” shall remain closed and non-operational unless and until the Sheriff presents to the Knox County Commission, at a public meeting, a data-driven justification and transparent operational and financial plan identifying the proposed technologies and data sources, authorized uses and safeguards, data retention and sharing practices, initial and recurring costs, funding sources, and measurable public-safety objectives.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Sheriff’s presentation shall not constitute authorization to operate any surveillance technology otherwise prohibited by this Ordinance.
On August 23, 2026, the Knox County Commission held a workshop on the topic of surveillance equipment. Citizen reaction from that meeting is provided in the article linked here.
Prior to taking office, the Knox County Mayor Elect posted the following statement on social media.
“I applaud the work of the County Commission in passing an emergency ordinance to order the takedown of Flock cameras. I will always support law enforcement and the work they do to protect the place we call home, but that work must be carried out in ways that respect individuals’ constitutional rights.
We have been elected to represent the people of Knox County, and they have clearly spoken out against the use of Flock cameras in their communities. I appreciate Commissioner Adam Thompson’s leadership on this issue, as well as Commissioner Larsen Jay’s efforts to ensure citizens’ voices are heard, and their rights are respected.” – said Betsy Henderson (posted just prior to taking office as Knox County Mayor)
Grassroots organizations in Knox County commented as follows.
“Knox County Commission’s unanimous vote to remove and ban surveillance cameras last night was a tremendous win for our Constitutional rights and freedoms. We are grateful for everyone who took action and for all the commissioners who took a strong position to protect us from potential tyrannical government overreach. 34 people signed up to speak during public comments, and approximately 250 people were in attendance. In addition, we understand that many people contacted their commissioners via phone or email prior to this meeting. While this seems like a small number in a county of over 500,000 residents, it is undeniable proof of the power of engaged citizens. We need more of this.” – Tracey Smith, Chair, Knox for Liberty
“Tonight, the citizens of Knox County can rest easy in the assurance that their county commission, on this issue at least, are still a government of, by and for the people. In a unanimous vote of 11 to 0, Knox County Commission voted on an ordinance to not only end the county’s relationship with Flock Safety, but also voted to add an amendment to the ordinance ordering the cameras to be dismantled and sent back within 30 days and all data collected by this system to date is to be destroyed unless it is part of an active criminal investigation. Fixed ALPRs have officially been banned in Knox County. As of now, the Fourth Amendment guarantees for our citizens are still in place.
However, this should be a cautionary tale for both Knox County residents and the elected officials who represent them. Ronald Reagan once famously said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” While tonight was a definite victory, it’s a reminder that our freedoms, privacy and accountability of the government to We, the People, was on the line and the vote could have been dramatically different. Volunteer Patriots is happy with the outcome of tonight’s vote, but we also understand that in order to hold this line in the sand, we need our fellow citizens to join us on the shield wall. We cannot grow complacent; this means we MUST remain active and vigilant in our local elections. Make your voice heard, hold your elected officials accountable and vote like your freedoms depend on it!” – said Christian Breeden, President, Executive Director, Volunteer Patriots
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
