Episode 49: For FLOCK's Sake...VOTE

Pat and Gregg spend their time riffing on the importance of as many people as possible turning out to vote this cycle, and finish the pod sharing their thoughts on the epidemic of FLOCK cameras (a.k.a. Flock Safety ALPRs: Automated License Plate Readers) spreading across the nation and in our Woodstock and Cherokee County communities. *The next meeting is on OCt. 20, so be sure to attend and voice your concerns.* **Show Links:** Flock Cameras Nationwide: https://flockcameralocations.com/map Voting Data Links: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/2024-presidential-election-voting-registration-tables.html https://www.eac.gov/news/2025/06/30/us-election-assistance-commission-releases-2024-election-administration-and-voting https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/06/26/voter-turnout-2020-2024/ **Show Notes:** Agendas for the **Cherokee County Board of Commissioners** meetings are officially published on the Monday preceding each scheduled session. The Board typically convenes on the **first and third Tuesday of each month**, with Work Sessions beginning at **3:00 PM** and Regular Meetings starting at **6:00 PM**. \[1, 2, 3] Meetings are hosted in **Cherokee Hall** at the Cherokee County Administrative Complex, located at **1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA** Key Context and Recent Board Meetings Regarding Flock ALDR systems in Cherokee County, GA - **August and October Meetings:** Citizens and community watchdogs packed Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meetings (including sessions in August and on October 6, 2026) to protest the expansion of Flock license plate readers and data retention policies. \[1, 2, 3] - **Disputes Over Data Retention:** Critics and public advocates have pushed back against the Sheriff’s Office regarding data retention timelines, contrasting public statements (such as claims of a 30-day limit) with signed policies pointing to longer retention periods (up to 180 days). \[1] - **Axon Technology Agreement:** On October 6, 2026, the Board of Commissioners addressed agenda items concerning public safety technology, software, and surveillance expansion (such as agreements involving Axon Enterprise Inc.), which critics argue create an unchecked pathway for expanding vehicle tracking and ALPR integration without sufficient oversight. \[1] - **Public Petitions and Town Halls:** Residents opposed to the cameras have organized town halls and online petitions (via groups like *Deflock Cherokee*) urging the Board of Commissioners and the Sheriff's Office to terminate contracts with Flock Safety and remove the cameras from unincorporated parts of the county. \[1, 2, 3]