Mount Carmel puts hold on Flock Safety cameras for the fiscal year

MOUNT CARMEL — Mount Carmel is putting a hold on plans to use Flock Safety cameras, Town Manager Tyler Williams said at a Board of Mayor and Alderman workshop Thursday evening. The cameras, used by law enforcement to track license plates, were part of the 2026-27 fiscal year budget, approved by the board in May. The $20,000 line item would have rented four or five cameras, according to previous reporting; there would've been a lesser recurring cost. But, Williams said, town leadership has decided in the past several weeks to redirect that money within the police department's budget. He said it will go to software to improve report and ticket writing. Vice Mayor Jim Bare asked if the pivot away from Flock cameras was due to possible legislation across the state and country. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has spoken out against the technology, calling for state or federal restrictions on its use and data storage. The Sullivan County commission is considering blocking renewal of its Flock contract, citing privacy concerns, unless certain guardrails are added. Mount Carmel Mayor John Gibson also opposed the cameras when they were discussed in an April workshop. Williams said the primary reason Mount Carmel is not moving forward with Flock is to use the money elsewhere. While Flock cameras aren't happening this fiscal year, Williams said the topic could return to the board. Previously, Mount Carmel Police Chief David Larson said the cameras take photos that do not identify the drivers. The photos are kept in the system for 30 days and then deleted, and are only shared at the police department's discretion. He said surrounding counties and cities already use Flock cameras: the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Kingsport Police Department, Johnson City Police Department and more. JCPD assisted the Mount Carmel Police Department on a case using Flock cameras, he said, helping find and eventually arrest a suspect who had fled. Other updates Tiffany Bishop is the new town recorder and finance director. She previously served as Mount Carmel's accounts payable and payroll clerk for three years.