WEST END, N.C. — A packed special meeting about Moore County’s use of automatic license plate readers ended abruptly Monday after a tense exchange between residents and county officials.
The meeting focused on cameras produced by Flock Safety, which record vehicle license plates and other identifying information as vehicles pass. Law enforcement agencies use the searchable data to locate vehicles connected with criminal investigations, missing-person cases and public safety alerts.
Moore County law enforcement defends camera system
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office owns 10 Flock cameras positioned across the county’s approximately 700 square miles. The agency can also access 23 cameras operated by local municipalities, while additional cameras may be maintained by private neighborhoods or other organizations.
Officials said the system was used in 31 matters during July. Law enforcement representatives argued that sharing camera information across jurisdictions can help investigators locate suspects more quickly, especially when a vehicle travels through multiple communities.
Authorities said license plate reader information also helped investigators track the suspect accused in the Pinebluff triple homicide.
Residents question privacy and data retention
Some residents at Monday’s meeting raised concerns about government surveillance, Fourth Amendment protections and the length of time information is stored.
Officials acknowledged that most vehicles recorded by the cameras are not associated with a criminal investigation. The images and vehicle information currently remain in the system for up to 30 days before being deleted.
Flock Safety has announced a shorter seven-day default retention period, but Moore County officials indicated that investigators prefer keeping the county’s 30-day window. They said some crimes are not reported immediately and that a shorter window could remove potentially useful information before detectives know they need it.
County and law enforcement officials also addressed concerns about possible misuse. They discussed auditing searches and monitoring how officers access the system as possible safeguards.
Meeting adjourned following tense exchange
Because Monday’s gathering was a special-called meeting, it did not include a formal public comment period. Several people in the audience nevertheless attempted to ask questions and voice concerns during the presentation.
As tensions increased, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office was called to escort some attendees from the room. Commissioners then adjourned the meeting.
County leaders encouraged residents who want to speak about the issue to register for public comment during the regular Moore County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, in Carthage.
The debate leaves commissioners weighing the investigative value of the technology against residents’ requests for stronger privacy protections, clearer oversight and additional public discussion.
Sources: WRAL and Moore County Government.
