JASPER, Ala. — The Walker County Commission has voted to remove Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers from county rights of way and property, making Walker County the first Alabama county reported to take such action.
The commission approved a resolution Tuesday titled “Revocation of General Use Contract and/or Privilege for Automated License Plate Readers.” The resolution gives officials 30 days to remove the cameras from county roads, rights of way and property, according to reports by the Tuscaloosa Thread and the Daily Mountain Eagle.
The action applies to Flock cameras and similar automated license plate readers located under the county’s jurisdiction. It does not prohibit municipalities within Walker County from using the devices or adopting their own policies, according to the resolution summary reported by the Tuscaloosa Thread.
Automated license plate readers photograph passing vehicles and use technology to identify information such as license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, color and other characteristics. Law enforcement agencies use the systems to help locate vehicles connected to criminal investigations, while critics have raised concerns about privacy, data retention and potential misuse.
The Walker County vote comes amid growing scrutiny of Flock cameras in Alabama and across the country. Alabama lawmakers have indicated they may consider legislation governing the technology during the next legislative session. State Sen. Arthur Orr has identified three possible approaches: leaving the current system in place, imposing additional restrictions on the cameras and related data, or banning the technology outright.
Flock Safety announced in August that it would reduce the default data-retention period for its system from 30 days to seven days and add other safeguards following reports of alleged misuse of its law enforcement network.
The county’s decision also follows actions elsewhere involving automated license plate readers. Florida’s transportation department recently revoked permits for such cameras on state highway rights of way and ordered them removed within 30 days.
The Walker County resolution does not amount to a statewide ban. Any future restrictions affecting municipalities, counties or law enforcement agencies throughout Alabama would have to come from additional local action or state legislation.