County Commissioners Live Stream

The County Commissioners meeting on August 20, 2026, featured an extensive discussion on the procurement and use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Ben Sites and District Attorney Ian Brink presented the legal and operational rationale for the system, emphasizing its role in public safety, crime deterrence, and case-specific investigations. The sheriff highlighted the $4,500 expenditure approved as part of the sheriff's budget for the Flock system, noting its cost-effectiveness and data security measures. Public comments raised significant concerns about privacy, Fourth Amendment rights, potential misuse of data, and the safety of camera installations. Several speakers called for greater transparency, independent auditing, and detailed reporting on the system's effectiveness and error rates. The meeting concluded without a formal vote on the Flock system but reflected a community divided on balancing public safety benefits against privacy and civil liberties risks.