Over 800 Avondale Estates residents have signed a petition calling for the removal of all ten Flock license plate reader cameras currently operating in their community. This initiative, reported by FOX 5 Atlanta on October 2, 2026, stems from significant concerns regarding data privacy and surveillance.
What are the residents' concerns about these cameras?
Residents like Kate Denny are primarily worried about the lack of oversight and data protection associated with the AI-driven camera network. The petition advocates for formal legal frameworks to regulate automated license plate readers, rather than relying on internal police policies. They want clear laws on how data is accessed, collected, and shared across interconnected camera systems. Denny expressed concern about "long-term data storage" and potential misuse by law enforcement, citing instances of officers misusing Flock systems.
From a driver's perspective, this means that even if you are not suspected of a crime, your vehicle's movements could be recorded and stored. This data could potentially be shared with other agencies. Residents are asking their city to consider if the benefits outweigh the privacy implications of tracking law-abiding citizens. To learn more about how these systems work, visit our /learn section.
What is the city's response and what happens next?
The City of Avondale Estates' Board of Mayor and Commissioners (BOMC) has acknowledged the petition. They released a statement indicating they are "carefully weighing the pros and cons of Flock cameras as they consider the best decision for the City of Avondale Estates."
However, city leaders have not yet announced a date for a formal vote on whether to cancel or modify the Flock camera contract. Residents should be aware that the presence of these cameras remains under review. A public forum on Flock cameras, organized by resident Kate Denny, is scheduled for October 13 in her backyard in Avondale Estates. This meeting could provide more insight into the community's next steps and the city's ongoing evaluation.