Image Credit: Brent Moore / CC & Canva.
Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
This evening, the Sullivan County Commission will be considering two resolutions further restricting the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technologies in the county, and residents are being urged to attend in support of the measures.
Written by Commissioner Joe Carr, who made national headlines for his public excoriation of a Flock executive preceding the commission’s vote to unanimously cancel Flock contracts, and co-sponsored by Commissioner Lakie Derrick, the resolutions have reportedly received significant opposition, including some other commissioners who are reportedly considering efforts to restore the cameras’ usage.
One of the resolutions up for consideration tonight may be a unique proposal by Carr and Derrick that would act as a trigger law, automatically banning APLRs in the county if the state or federal government authorizes local governments to ban the cameras.
The resolution would not apply to license plate readers in Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicles but would apply to all public or private cameras, like those used in Walmart or Home Depot parking lots or neighborhoods.
“I wanted to go ahead and put that out there to try and get it completely banned in Sullivan County, no loopholes, and I also want to try and steer the conversation at the state level towards a total ban of it or at least giving counties the options to choose if that’s something that they want to have in their county or not,” Carr said about the proposal previously.
Citizens are asked to attend the meeting to contend for their privacy rights and show support for commissioners and the resolutions.
“The expiration of our county’s Flock contract does not mean the fight is over. Our constitutional rights and the privacy of Sullivan County residents deserve lasting protection, not temporary solutions,” one resident implored. “Join us Thursday night and make your voice heard. Let our commissioners know that Sullivan County residents expect accountability, transparency, and the protection of our constitutional rights.”
The meeting will be held at the Sullivan County Courthouse at 6 p.m. Thursday evening.
Sources:
Mark Easterly.
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.
