Image Credit: Tony Webster / CC, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
With newly elected Montgomery County Sheriff Mike Oliver settling into his role, the department will complete a comprehensive review and revisions to the county’s policies on its usage of ALPRs, but there does not appear to be any mention of cancelling contracts with Flock Safety or stepping back from usage of the technology.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has employed Flock cameras since 2021 across a network of 11 total units, eight stationary and three mobile. As of 2024, the department has credited the system with helping to solve over 60 cases, and says the cameras are 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,” said MCSO spokesperson Lt. Bishop Delaney to local outlet Clarksville Now.
Delaney confirmed that Sheriff Oliver is having the policy reviewed and updated to, “establish clearer standards regarding personnel access, authorized uses of the system, documentation requirements and supervisory review. 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.”
But while the department will supposedly be tightening safeguards, Sheriff Oliver has made clear the department has no intentions of stopping it use of the ALPR technology.
“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.”
ALPRs continue to be a subject of heated debate across Tennessee, with some municipalities choosing to terminate the technology while others continue defending its value to law enforcement.
Sources:
TennesseeConservativeNews.com.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
