Sheriff says residents “deserve…a voice” in Flock camera use, cuts off Sullivan County devices

Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy says he has been the subject of threats, along with his staff and families, since discussion of Flock cameras at last week’s work session of the County Commission.

Due to the concerns about privacy, oversight, and government surveillance, Cassidy has requested commission members to place the subject of Flock cameras inside Sullivan County as a referendum and let the public decide the issue.

The Sheriff said his agency has suspended all LPR, or Flock, cameras located in Sullivan County until further notice.

“…This matter could and should have been addressed through a professional discussion. Instead, the issue has increasingly become a matter of political rhetoric and public controversy,” according to a statement issued Monday by Cassidy.

“I believe the people of Sullivan County deserve facts, transparency, and ultimately, a voice in this decision.”

A packed commission meeting on Thursday heard Commissioner Joe Carr threaten the life of Flock Camera CEO Garrett Langley by telling a company spokesperson addressing questions that Langley should be hanged.

Commissioners are scheduled to take a vote on Thursday on whether or not to renew a contract with Flock for future use of their cameras in the county.

Sullivan County now joins cities like Los Angeles and Seattle and more than four dozen other localities across the US that have switched off their LPF readers.

(IMAGE: Property of Pexels / Giant Asparagus)