Documented Incident
Augusta County sheriff removes two Flock cameras on Jefferson Highway after resident complaints
Event: September 25, 2026 · First reported: September 28, 2026 · 1 source
Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said two Flock Safety cameras operating on Jefferson Highway were taken out of service on Friday, September 25. Smith said his office had fielded numerous calls and messages from residents raising concerns and uncertainty about the cameras and about how data collected through the system is gathered and used. He described the removal as a pause while the Sheriff's Office evaluates the issues raised, and said further information would follow.
The decision shows a sheriff suspending an automated license plate reader deployment in direct response to constituent pressure, an outcome other localities weighing ALPR contracts may look to as precedent.
Key facts
- Two Flock cameras on Jefferson Highway were removed from operation on Friday, September 25.
- Sheriff Donald Smith said the Sheriff's Office received numerous citizen calls and communications about the cameras and the data they collect.
- Smith characterized the removal as temporary pending further evaluation of the technology, saying more information would be released later.
- The article does not say how long the cameras had been in place, what the contract terms were, or whether the removal will become permanent.
Sources
This summary was written from the published reporting below and links to it; BlockFlockNow does not reproduce article text.
- Two Flock cameras removed in Augusta County (Rocktown Now, September 28, 2026)
More from Virginia
Everything we have documented in Virginia, or search every Virginia article in the archive.
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.