Flock Is Out: Sheriff Wayne Davis Suspends Camera System, Says Henry County Is Done Wit...

Flock Is Out: Sheriff Wayne Davis Suspends Camera System, Says Henry County Is Done With It

HENRY COUNTY, Va. — The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is pulling the plug on its access to Flock Safety cameras, with Sheriff Wayne Davis saying privacy and constitutional concerns have changed the way he views the controversial surveillance technology.

Davis announced Friday, Aug. 14, that he has immediately suspended all Henry County Sheriff’s Office access to the Flock camera system while the department explores its options, including potentially ending its contract early.

The decision comes despite the sheriff previously saying he would allow the existing contract to run its course.

In 2023, the Sheriff’s Office received a grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services that paid for the installation and service contract for 10 fixed Flock cameras and four mobile units.

That meant the system was implemented at no local cost to Henry County taxpayers.

Davis said the department carefully established policies and safeguards before implementing the technology, and the cameras subsequently became an investigative tool used by deputies and investigators in numerous cases.

The original goal, he said, was to keep the Sheriff’s Office on the cutting edge of law enforcement technology.

But three years later, Davis said the national conversation surrounding Flock has changed.

He pointed to cases across the country involving alleged misuse of Flock technology by law enforcement officers, including cases resulting in criminal charges. He also cited growing concerns about privacy, data access, data retention and appropriate use of the technology.

And apparently, that was enough for the sheriff to hit the pause button.

'I'm Not a Big-Government Sheriff'

Davis made it clear that his decision isn't about becoming softer on crime.

“I am not a big-government Sheriff,” Davis said, emphasizing his belief in the U.S. Constitution and individual liberties.

At the same time, he said he has an obligation to provide deputies with the tools they need to investigate crimes and protect residents.

“Protecting our community and protecting the constitutional rights of our citizens are not competing principles,” Davis said. “They are both essential responsibilities of a Sheriff.”

Davis said law enforcement technology should not be used simply because it is available or because it provides additional investigative capabilities.

Instead, he said every tool should be evaluated based on accountability, responsible policing, constitutional protections and public safety.

Contract Wasn't Supposed to End Until 2028

On July 27, Davis told the Henry County Enterprise that he would not renew the Flock contract when it expires in August 2028.

Now, he's going a step further.

After reviewing the system and listening to community concerns, Davis said he decided to immediately suspend the Sheriff's Office's access while officials investigate whether the contract can be terminated before its scheduled expiration.

That means Henry County's Flock system isn't necessarily disappearing tomorrow — but the Sheriff's Office is no longer accessing it.

Davis said leadership means being willing to reevaluate decisions when circumstances change and legitimate concerns are raised.

“I will always believe that we can be both tough on crime and strong defenders of the Constitution,” Davis said.

He added that giving deputies investigative tools while respecting residents' privacy and constitutional rights is the balance responsible law enforcement should strive for.

For Davis, the decision ultimately came down to what he believes is best for Henry County.

“I have listened to our community, I have carefully considered the facts, and I believe discontinuing our use of Flock technology is the right decision for Henry County at this time,” he said.

So, after three years of cameras watching the roads, the sheriff says Henry County's deputies are no longer watching through Flock — and this time, the sheriff is the one pulling the plug.

Statement from Sheriff Wayne Davis regarding Flock Safety Cameras August 14, 2026 In 2023, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) that funded the installation and service contract for ten fixed Flock Safety cameras and four mobile units. As a result, the Flock system was implemented at no local cost to the citizens of Henry County. Before implementing the system, we took deliberate steps to ensure that appropriate policies, safeguards, and current best practices were in place regarding its use. Since that time, Flock has served as an investigative tool for our deputies and investigators and has assisted with countless investigations. We brought this technology to Henry County because we wanted our Sheriff’s Office to remain on the cutting edge of modern law enforcement technology and investigative tools. Our goal was, and remains, to provide our deputies with the resources necessary to investigate crime effectively and to make Henry County the safest community possible. However, in the three years since we implemented the Flock system, the viewpoints and concerns surrounding this technology have changed significantly. Across the nation, there have been numerous instances in which law enforcement officers have misused Flock technology, with many cases resulting in criminal charges. At the same time, legitimate concerns regarding privacy, data access, retention, and the appropriate use of this technology have continued to grow. I want the citizens of Henry County to understand who I am and what guides my decisions as your Sheriff. I am not a big-government Sheriff. I am one of the strongest believers in the Constitution of the United States, and I firmly believe in protecting the constitutional rights and individual liberties of every citizen we serve. At the same time, I have sworn an oath to protect our community and have a responsibility to provide our deputies with the tools necessary to investigate crime and keep our citizens safe. Those responsibilities must be balanced. Protecting our community and protecting the constitutional rights of our citizens are not competing principles, they are both essential responsibilities of a Sheriff. As your Sheriff, I have a responsibility to continually evaluate the tools and technology used by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. I do not believe that we should use technology simply because it is available or because it gives law enforcement additional capabilities. Every tool we use must be evaluated against the principles of accountability, responsible policing, constitutional protections, and the safety of the community we serve. On July 27, 2026, during an interview, I informed the Henry County Enterprise that I would not renew the contract with Flock Safety when it expires in August 2028. Since then, I have carefully evaluated the Flock system and listened to the concerns expressed by members of our community. After careful evaluation of all factors, privacy concerns, constitutional principles and the changing national landscape surrounding this technology, I have made the decision to immediately suspend all Henry County Sheriff’s Office access to the Flock camara system while we explore all options, including the possible early termination of the contract with Flock Safety. Leadership means being willing to constantly evaluate procedures when circumstances change, when legitimate concerns are raised, and when the needs and expectations of the community evolve. I will always believe that we can be both tough on crime and strong defenders of the Constitution. We can give our deputies the tools they need to investigate crime while also respecting the privacy, freedoms, and constitutional rights of the people we serve. That balance is not a weakness—it is what responsible law enforcement looks like in America. As Sheriff, my responsibility is to make decisions that are in the best interest of the Sheriff’s Office and, most importantly, the citizens of Henry County. I have listened to our community, I have carefully considered the facts, and I believe discontinuing our use of Flock technology is the right decision for Henry County at this time. My number one priority has always been, and will remain, serving the citizens of Henry County, protecting their constitutional rights, and doing everything within my authority to make this the safest community possible. Sheriff Wayne Davis Henry County Sheriff’s Office

Original Facebook source: Open post

Source note: Star News TV · Aug 14, 2026 8:45 PM.