South Fulton leaders push Flock camera guardrails

Flock cameras have become a lightning rod in Georgia and across the country. People are upset that their privacy is being potentially compromised. But at the same time, law enforcement says the cameras have solved hundreds of crimes. Two elected officials in Fulton County say it's time to get ahead of the problem. Fox News Angelique Proctor tells us what the city of South Fulton is doing to address the issue. Flock cameras take center stage again. This time it's in the city of South Fulton. Flock cameras is just one of those lightning rods that connects to a deeper sense of mistrust. State Senator Jaha Howard and South Fulton Mayor Carmelita Gumbs are taking this controversial issue head on. They want to find a balance between using flock cameras as a vital police tool to solve crimes and trampling over individuals' privacy. We're responding to the call across the state to have limited access. There should be actual crimes. You should be doing a real investigation if you're going to access automatic license plate reader data. Also, increase accountability. We have to make sure that the people who are using this data are being held accountable. The concern comes after police departments have terminated 40 law enforcement officers in Georgia for using the cameras for personal reasons. Howard and Gumbs say state guardrails should be put in place as soon as possible to stop abuse. accountability is important. As a female and as many women, they will want to make sure that their safety is of the utmost importance. So for me, it is important to put guardrails. We don't want people just out there just doing things that are unlawful. There are internal policies that each department has in place. That's already in place. But what you'll find out is that if someone breaks the rule, they may be suspended from their department, they may be fired, but they may not be breaking a Georgia state law. Howard and Gumbs will have a talk around town conversation Thursday night with experts and residents to find solutions. I found that folks who have the best ideas aren't the elected officials. Oftentimes the best ideas come from everyday folks. That talk around town will be tonight from 6 30 until 8 o'clock at the Southwest Arts Center. That is the very latest in the city of South Fulton, Angelique Proctor, Fox 5 News.