Editor’s Note: Video included above is related to Austin’s June decision to postpone a vote on whether or not Austin Police can continue to use license plate readers
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – The Hays County Commissioners Court once again delayed a vote on ending a contract with Atlanta-based company Flock Safety, which is a manufacturer of license plate-reading cameras.
While the devices, which law enforcement officials say are essential in stopping criminals, have consistently had critics, the debate surrounding them has only intensified since the Trump Administration took over.
“I’ve never felt a more divided issue in my two and a half years of listening to all the issues. This one seems to be equally divided on both sides,” said Hays County Commissioner Michelle Cohen, Precinct 2.
The Hays County Commissioners Court voted as recently as February to add more Flock cameras around the county. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said a great deal has changed since then.
“What has changed? The militarization of our federal government is what has changed since then,” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said on the dais Tuesday.
Becerra added that he’s concerned about possible federal access to the Flock camera database.
Supporters believe the narrative surrounding the devices has gotten out of hand in recent months.
Hays County felony prosecutor Allison Buess told the court before the discussion that she uses information gathered from the cameras every day.
“I’m here today in part because I’m extremely concerned by the misinformation that’s being pushed about flock cameras,” Buess said.
“License plate readers are just that – they read license plates,” she continued. “Flock doesn’t solve crimes, detectives and police work that relies, in part, on information provided by Flock is what solves crime.”