Residents press Augusta County supervisors for ordinance banning Flock cameras

Event: September 24, 2026 · First reported: September 24, 2026 · 1 source

Activists and residents urged the Augusta County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday to adopt an ordinance prohibiting Flock Safety license plate readers, citing privacy and constitutional concerns. Two Flock cameras are installed near the Preston L. Yancey Fire Department off U.S. 250 in Fishersville. Sheriff Donald Smith defended the cameras' investigative usefulness but said he is considering removing them, and Board Chairman Jeff Slaven said removal talks are underway between the sheriff and Commonwealth's Attorney Tim Martin. No ordinance had been enacted as of the meeting.

Why this matters

The debate shows how ALPR decisions in Virginia localities can hinge on discretionary choices by sheriffs and prosecutors rather than binding policy, which is why speakers argued a formal ordinance or resolution is needed for a lasting rule.

Key facts

Two Flock cameras are located adjacent to and across from the Preston L. Yancey Fire Department in Fishersville; supervisors were briefed on them Monday.
Zach Caudill, founder of DeFlock the Valley, told supervisors an official resolution or ordinance would be required to keep the technology out permanently.
Supervisors Scott Seaton (Wayne District) and Mike Shull (Riverheads District) voiced opposition, with Shull describing the cameras as an erosion of individual rights.
Waynesboro resident Mary Grimm alleged Flock data is being misused; the article does not include supporting details or any official finding.
In separate business, the board approved just over $49,000 for two part-time District Court clerks to handle a rising traffic caseload attributed in part to automated speed cameras.

Sources

This summary was written from the published reporting below and links to it; BlockFlockNow does not reproduce article text.

Crusade to ban Flock cameras in Augusta County continues (Dnronline, September 24, 2026)

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About this record

BlockFlockNow documents reported incidents involving Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers: council votes, contract decisions, misuse by authorized users, lawsuits, audits, and community response. Every record is reviewed by a person before publication. New to the topic? Start with What is Flock?, find meetings near you, or learn how to request your town's camera records.

Updated September 28, 2026. Corrections: blockflock@bytebunny.io. See all documented incidents or search the full article archive.