Documented Incident
New Hanover County (NC) Sheriff's Office reviewing 30-day Flock data retention policy
First reported: August 14, 2026 · 1 source
The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office says it is reviewing its policy for how long license plate reader data captured by Flock Safety cameras is retained, citing recent public questions and recommendations from Flock Safety. The agency says North Carolina law permits retention of up to 90 days with certain exceptions, while its current policy holds data for 30 days. Sheriff Ed McMahon said state law sets the maximum and the agency's role is to decide what period best serves the community while protecting privacy. The office says it will inform the public of any policy changes.
Retention periods determine how long records of ordinary drivers' movements remain searchable, and this review shows agencies can set limits stricter than state law — or loosen them. How New Hanover County resolves the question offers a reference point for other North Carolina jurisdictions weighing vendor recommendations against local privacy commitments.
Key facts
- North Carolina law allows ALPR data retention for up to 90 days, with certain exceptions, according to the sheriff's office.
- The agency's current policy retains Flock data for 30 days.
- The review follows recent recommendations from Flock Safety, the agency says.
- Sheriff McMahon framed the review as balancing investigative needs with privacy.
- The article does not state whether the retention period will be lengthened, shortened, or left unchanged.
Sources
This summary was written from the published reporting below and links to it; BlockFlockNow does not reproduce article text.
- New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office reviewing Flock camera data retention policy (WWAYTV3, August 14, 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 August 15, 2026. Corrections: blockflock@bytebunny.io. See all documented incidents or search the full article archive.