April 22, 2026 [last updated May 24, 2025]
For information on data received from Mitchell and Yancey as well as additional flock links, head over to the Flock Corral.
[Scroll to the bottom for the Yancey petition]
LET THE PUBLIC DECIDE ON FLOCK SURVEILLANCE IN MITCHELL COUNTY
Mitchell County has begun installing Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras without prior public discussion.
Flock Safety is a private, for-profit company that installs AI-driven cameras to track vehicles and collect data on people’s movements. That data is stored in a searchable system and accessed through paid subscriptions by law enforcement agencies.
This means Mitchell County is using public resources to participate in a growing network of mass surveillance operated by a private company.
BEFORE EXPANDING THIS SYSTEM, RESIDENTS DESERVE CLEAR ANSWERS:
- Why were these cameras installed without a real public discussion?
- What will this system cost Mitchell County taxpayers now and in the future?
- Who has access to this data, and how is it shared or used?
- What oversight exists to prevent misuse or abuse?
- What happens when the technology is wrong or gets used in ways the public never agreed to?
Even if current leadership can be trusted, what about the next sheriff or outside agencies?
When new surveillance technology enters our daily lives, the public deserves a chance to decide whether we want it at all before it becomes normalized and permanent.
WE ARE CALLING ON MITCHELL COUNTY OFFICIALS TO:
- Pause further installation of Flock cameras
- Hold a public hearing before any further expansion
- Disclose all costs, contracts, and data policies
- Establish clear public oversight and accountability
Download the petition signature page (below), sign and send to [email protected]