Controversial “Flock” cameras expected to be installed in Mount Carmel

The town of Mount Carmel in Hawkins County is expected to install and operate 4 to 5 Flock cameras in “high traffic” areas in the town within the coming months. Flock cameras have been linked to controversy, and residents of Mount Carmel believe installing them would violate their Fourth Amendment rights. Town law enforcement argues that these cameras are essential to deter crime. Flock cameras are part of a police camera system that captures still images of license plates, vehicle makes and colors to assist law enforcement in identifying suspects or people of interest. It does not take photos of people/drivers. Mount Carmel Police Chief David Larson says the Flock system is only accessed by law enforcement with credentials and it has limited access. He also noted that the system only retains information for 30 days, before being deleted. But some residents are still concerned that a system that tracks individual vehicles lends itself to abuse by those that can access it. Recently, residents in Carter County raised concerns when a screen shot from an Elizabethton Police Flock camera was posted online by an alleged witness to a crime. Multiple responses to the post asked how the individual got the pictures that were meant to remain with law enforcement.