Concerns about Flock safety cameras could lead to change in South Carolina

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Lawmakers told Channel 9 they expect several bills to be introduced, pushing to regulate or ban the use of Flock safety cameras in South Carolina.

Citizens all over Rock Hill have been questioning local leaders about the technology, and state lawmakers are listening.

Former Corrections Officer Carson Dobbins says he’s aware Flock camera technology can be used for good and bad.

“I agree with the general public sentiment that we need to address this problem before they become more rampant,” Dobbins said.

On Monday Representative Greg Ford said he plans to file legislation in December, that aims to put new guardrails around the technology.

He wants to stop agencies from using data to build citizen profiles or predict behavior. He’ll push for public audit records that show how departments use data. He wants consequences when officers misuse it.

“We’re not gonna have a cop just resign and move along,” Ford said. “It’s gonna be possible criminal charges. It’s possibly gonna be fines, or all the way up to what’s called a cause of action to where the individual can sue the department.”

He says information should belong to the state, not the private company that provides the tech.

On Monday, some Rock Hill residents told Channel 9 they support the devices and what they do for communities.

“I think Flock cameras are needed,” one person said. “They do more good than they do harm and I am definitely for any legislation that is for them.”

York County Lawmaker Brandon Guffey says he’s preparing for a conversation about the issue in January.

“There’s a standard of knowledge that we all have to get up to before we can make those decisions that could affect all of our citizens,” Guffey said.

Ford says about four or five other lawmakers are drafting bills that would regulate or ban Flock cameras.

Just last month, Flock safety announced changes to its platform amid ongoing privacy concerns.

Starting in January, users will be required to implement several mandatory features including an audit tool to flag abnormal search behavior for law enforcement.

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