As the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office pauses its license plate reader program, officials said the office’s greatest concern is ensuring captured data is secure and not misused.
Sheriff Austin Garrett’s office is primarily focused on public concern, spokesperson Gracyn Gordon said. She said by email the office also acknowledges other jurisdictions have experienced license plate reader system misuse.
The decision was not prompted by any suspected misuse by Sheriff’s Office personnel, Gordon said by email.
The Sheriff’s Office announced Monday evening it would pause about 70 Flock and Motorola stand-alone cameras scattered across the county.
Deputies have used Axon in-car camera systems with license plate reader technology for years, she said.
“Tools are useful in helping law enforcement investigate crime,” Gordon said, “but not having a tool does not prevent HCSO personnel from being able to adequately serve and protect our county.”
Garrett weighed the decision to pause the stand-alone cameras for several weeks, according to a prior press release. Sheriff’s Office command staff will continue reviewing the concerns that led to the pause until Garrett is confident all are addressed.
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp previously said her office had not been notified of any misuse and did not expect the pause to affect pending cases.
Contact courts reporter Mason Edwards at medwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6409.