Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett has directed staff within the Sheriff’s Office to begin the process of pausing the Flock License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Motorola LPR programs managed by the department.
Officials within the HCSO confirmed that the Sheriff’s Office oversees approximately 70 cameras currently across Hamilton County.
"This directive, being weighed over several weeks, encompasses multiple factors that have contributed to this decision," Sheriff Garrett said in a statement to the media. "The primary factor is the tremendous concern regarding public data and potential misuse of what is captured."
Sheriff Garrett stated he "truly believes" in LPR technology and its ability to combat criminal activity, but directed HCSO command staff to work through the factors of concern until he is confident that all areas are addressed.
In addition, Sheriff Garrett called on state and federal leaders to begin a conversation into what is best for the county, the state, and the country.
The use of License Plate Recognition cameras have come under intense scrutiny across the country, leading many municipalities to either suspend or outright end the surveillance programs.