Residents urged Moore County commissioners to reconsider the county’s use of automated license-plate readers during a public meeting Tuesday, raising questions about privacy, cybersecurity and public safety.
The discussion centered on Moore County Flock cameras, motion-activated devices produced by Flock Safety. The cameras can capture license plates and vehicle details, including makes, models, colors and distinguishing features, for use in searchable databases.
Speakers Cite Privacy and National-Security Risks
Several residents argued that the technology collects information about drivers without sufficient safeguards. Speakers also questioned whether the cameras reduce crime and raised concerns related to Fourth Amendment protections.
Megan Spearing, a Southern Pines resident, Air Force veteran and former military intelligence analyst, told commissioners that weak cybersecurity could create risks for service members living in Moore County. She said data about vehicle movements could potentially be used to identify patterns involving military personnel.
The comments reflected a broader debate over how automated license-plate readers should be used, who may access the information they collect and how long that information should be retained.
Public Work Session Scheduled
Commissioners said they are reviewing the feedback and conducting additional research before future discussions about the Moore County Flock cameras.
Board Chairman Nick Picerno announced that a public work session with local law-enforcement officials is scheduled for Monday, August 17, at 4 p.m. at the Rick Rhyne Public Safety Center. Residents are being encouraged to submit specific questions to the county clerk so officials can address them during the meeting.
No final decision about the county’s use of the cameras was announced during the August 4 meeting.
Source: Reporting by Abegail Murphy for Sandhills Sentinel.
