April 22, 2026 [last updated May 24, 2025]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Scroll to the bottom for the Yancey petition]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mitchell County has begun installing Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras without prior public discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flock Safety is a private, for-profit company that installs AI-driven cameras to track vehicles and collect data on people\u2019s movements. That data is stored in a searchable system and accessed through paid subscriptions by law enforcement agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means Mitchell County is using public resources to participate in a growing network of mass surveillance operated by a private company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if current leadership can be trusted, what about the next sheriff or outside agencies?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is about whether a private, AI-driven surveillance system becomes part of daily life in Mitchell County without the public ever being asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People who live here should have a say before something like this becomes normal and permanent – especially when it involves public resources, personal data, and long-term decisions about how our community is governed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLET THE PUBLIC DECIDE ON FLOCK SURVEILLANCE IN MITCHELL COUNTY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
BEFORE EXPANDING THIS SYSTEM, RESIDENTS DESERVE CLEAR ANSWERS:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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WE ARE CALLING ON MITCHELL COUNTY OFFICIALS TO:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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WHY THIS MATTERS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WANT MORE INFORMATION?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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