# Jackson County Candidates Target Camera Funding

Jackson County, North Carolina’s Sheriff’s Office provided partial records on its Flock Safety camera program after a seven-week delay. The records show four Falcon cameras deployed and two purchased as spares, but do not include startup or recurring costs; the county’s finance department has been asked to provide that information. All five candidates challenging for county commissioner seats said they would vote to defund the cameras, creating a potential budget and contract-continuity risk for the program.

- Procurement teams and contractors should account for possible funding changes when assessing the program’s service and subscription continuity; the records do not yet establish the full cost or contract terms.
- The county’s follow-up request to its finance department may clarify the program’s expenditures. Complete startup and recurring cost data will be important to budget and contract reviews.
- Companies supporting the program should review their existing agreement obligations and document the costs associated with the six cameras purchased between September 2023 and May 2026, including the four deployed units and two spares.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO)
- Jackson County Finance Department
- Jackson County

### Vendors
- Flock Safety (Camera and subscription provider)

### Key Quotes
> one of the fastest ways to save a little bit of money in our budget is to get rid of them.
> — Casey Walawender, District 1 candidate for County Commissioner

> That being said, I think they can do their job without the Flock cameras.
> — David Rogers, candidate for Board of Commissioners chair

> you can’t give up everything for some good.
> — Steven J. Sutton, District 2 candidate for County Commissioner

### Sources
- [Jackson answers Flock records request -](https://smokymountainnews.com/uncategorized/jackson-answers-flock-records-request) - Smoky Mountain News