Damaged Flock camera in WNC town sparks online debate over surveillance tech [f7KkTjSNA63]
A damaged Flock Safety camera in Rutherfordton has reignited debate over the use of license plate reader technology, with thousands weighing in online after police shared a photo of the vandalized device. The Rutherfordton Police Department posted an image of the damaged camera on social media, where the post quickly gained more than 20,000 comments. While some users condemned the vandalism, others praised the person responsible, with comments including "Not all heroes wear capes" and "Give them a medal." Local law enforcement officials said there is too much misinformation online about the cameras. "We're seeing a lot of misconceptions that these cameras collect more data than they actually do," said Capt. Ryan Bailey with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. "The camera itself is only capturing the vehicle traveling down the road." Bailey said Flock cameras do not record video. Instead, they take still images of passing vehicles and capture license plate information. According to the sheriff's office, those images are automatically deleted after 30 days. The department also says safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of the system. Deputies are required to enter a case number before searching the database, allowing administrators to audit searches and ensure the technology is being used appropriately. Despite those protections, opinions among residents remain divided. "I don't like that idea at all because of the over-abundance of electronics and interference in our privacy," Rutherfordton resident Rachel Alexander said. Others believe the cameras are a valuable investigative tool. "I have no really negative opinion with them. I think they're really helpful, especially with criminals and children abductions," said local homeowner Phyllis Irvine. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office says the cameras have also proven useful in locating vulnerable people, including those with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other cognitive disabilities who may have gone missing while driving. Officials say the technology has become an important resource for investigations and emergency response across the county. Flock cameras cost about $3,500 each. Law enforcement officials say anyone caught intentionally damaging one could face charges. #flockcameras #flock #surveillance #wnc _______________ Follow WLOS on social media: WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: WLOS ABC 13 News on X: WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit www.wlos.com Stream our newscasts LIVE: www.wlos.com/watch Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340 -- WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We keep our audience informed through local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of community events, sports and entertainment programming since 1954. This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at [email protected]