DeKalb County rejects Flock camera oversight

A proposal to place flock cameras under civilian oversight in DeKalb County was shut down. Commissioners rejected a measure that would have created an independent board to oversee and audit the county's digital surveillance system. Fox 5's Christopher King is live in Decatur tonight. Christopher, you spoke with the commissioner who sponsored this proposal. That's right, Russ, and commissioners here said no to that flock camera resolution. The measure would have meant civilian oversight for the county's digital shield system. Supporters say the resolution would have protected civil liberties. Critics say flock cameras are useful tools to protect public safety. Motion carries 5-2. The DeKalb commissioners on Tuesday rejected a proposal to place the county's surveillance system... under civilian oversight, it's a bad vote. The measure would have created an independent civilian board to review and audit the county's digital shield system. These systems can be abused. The system includes Flock cameras and other law enforcement surveillance technology. I introduced legislation that I believe would allow for that transparency and oversight to ensure that our civil liberties and our privacy ultimately is protected Commissioner Ted Terry introduced the measure after dozens of law enforcement officers around Georgia were accused of using the tech for illegal purposes. And a county review found some DeKalb police employees violated policies governing surveillance cameras. We've heard from our residents who are concerned about the abuse of not just the license plate readers, but all video surveillance systems that government and the police have access to. While I understand in some districts... Folks do not want Flock cameras. There are many others who are experiencing fatalities, casualties, and so much more who make regular requests for help. Commissioner Ladina Bolton was one of the members who voted against the resolution. Rather than an oversight committee, the bigger concern might be just placement of those Flock cameras and, if necessary, strengthening our policies. Bolton says Flock cameras have been useful in protecting public safety and solving crime. Without this help, some of those crimes can go unsolved. Now, Terry first introduced this resolution back in May. He says it's unlikely that he'll reintroduce the motion since he'll need at least three commissioners just to bring it back up again before the board. We're live in Decatur. Christopher King, Fox 5 News. Well, this issue far from over there and everywhere else in Georgia and the country. Christopher, thanks.