The Geneva County Commission has raised the alarm over Flock cameras installed by the town of Slocomb after residents in unincorporated areas voiced concerns over possible government overreach.
Flock Safety cameras monitor areas and allow law enforcement to rely on the technology to track crime. However, the Geneva County Commission unanimously adopted a policy requiring permits for automated license plate readers, and officials said one of the city's cameras is in an unincorporated part of the county.
"The reality is that Slocomb, like many communities, has public safety challenges within its own city limits that deserve continued attention," Geneva County Commissioner Weston Spivey told 1819 News. "I personally believe those challenges should remain their primary focus rather than installing these devices outside the city limits on county-maintained rights-of-way."
A notice of encroachment was issued by Geneva County Road and Bridge to the City of Slocomb for the camera, which was placed on the county right-of-way without a permit or Commission approval.
"From the county's perspective, that's the issue before us today," Spivey said. "The Commission established guidelines requiring approval before surveillance equipment is placed on county property. Those guidelines exist to ensure accountability, transparency and public representation. My concern is whether that established process was followed."
County rights-of-way are purchased and maintained with taxpayer dollars. That includes mowing, drainage and inspections. The purpose of the right-of-way is to protect the traveling public. Spivey said items installed must serve an important public purpose while meeting specific requirements. He said expanding approved items in the right-of-way sets a dangerous precedent.
"Every additional encroachment should be carefully evaluated because once one use is allowed, it naturally raises the question of what comes next," said Spivey. "That's precisely why permitting requirements and Commission approval exist—to ensure public property is used deliberately, consistently, and in the best interest of the taxpayers who own it."
Spivey said surveillance technology should also be scrutinized and suggested elected officials offer open discussions and a public vote.
"Freedom is rarely taken away all at once," he said. "It's usually surrendered one "reasonable" step at a time. That's why every expansion of government authority deserves public discussion, transparency, accountability, and adherence to the law."
"… We're often told there is 'nothing to worry about," he added. "If that's true, then greater transparency should only strengthen public confidence. Why shouldn't citizens understand what information is being collected on taxpayer-funded rights-of-way, who has access to it, how long it's retained, what safeguards are in place and what oversight exists? Those seem like reasonable questions."
While he agrees technology can be used to help solve crimes, Spivey said the pushback is not about being anti-law enforcement.
"The overwhelming concern I hear from county residents is not opposition to law enforcement. It's privacy, transparency, government accountability and respect for the rule of law," Spivey explained. "Many people intentionally choose to live outside municipal boundaries because they value the peace, independence and rural lifestyle that county living provides. They don't expect surveillance technology to be placed on county-maintained roads outside a city's jurisdiction without going through the approval process established by their elected county government."
Spivey said it's his responsibility to listen to citizens and address their concerns.
"As elected officials, we are temporary stewards of the public's trust," said Spivey. "Our responsibility is not only to solve today's problems but also to protect the principles that future generations will inherit. My oath is to represent the taxpayers of Geneva County, uphold the policies adopted by the Commission, and ensure every decision involving public property is made openly, lawfully, and with the voices of our citizens at the center of the process. That responsibility is one I take very seriously."
Since the notice of encroachment was issued, Spivey said there have been communications between the city and the county engineer regarding the matter. He said he remains hopeful the matter will be resolved.
1819 News has reached out to the City of Slocomb for a response.
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