Houston County DA explains Georgia law on Flock camera data misuse

Eric Edwards says officers can face arrest and prosecution for using license plate data for reasons unrelated to law enforcement.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia residents still have questions about Flock Safety cameras, laws and how law enforcement can use the data. Several Georgia officers, including five in Middle Georgia, have recently faced consequences after being accused of misusing the system.  

Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards says while these cameras can help law enforcement investigate crimes, there are also rules about how the information can be accessed and used.  

Edwards says state law makes it a criminal offense for any individual to misuse Flock data for purposes unrelated to law enforcement. Those who violate the law could face arrest and prosecution. He says the only ones with access to information are law enforcement agencies, district attorneys and neighboring Jurisdictions. 

“Obviously it’s a relatively new technology,” he said. “It’s an incredible tool for law enforcement. I’ve referenced how we have had cases that were solved by Flock, including the drive-by shooting of an 8-year-old in 2023. So, it’s had a positive impact here in Houston County in terms of our law enforcement and holding people accountable for crimes. But the potential does exist there for misuse, so I’m glad that there is a criminal penalty for misusing that data, and that’s where I feel like it should land.”  

Earlier this month, a Houston County school resource officer was suspended without pay pending termination after an audit found she misused data. Edwards says the rules will continue to apply to everyone when it comes to the use of flock information. Three Bibb County deputies face stalking charges after an internal audit revealed misuse of cameras, and a Milledgeville police major was also accused of misusing data.

“Anytime my office gets a referral for a law enforcement officer who has violated the terms of their duties by misusing this technology for a non-law enforcement purpose, we will absolutely prosecute that individual under the laws that exist today,” he said.

Edwards says every case solved with the help of the cameras is another step toward making the community safer.  

“I think we have some stuff to figure out, and I think it’s going to be subject to some further legislation when the general assembly takes this up,” he said. “But I think it’s too helpful of a tool being able to bring justice, apprehend, prosecute and convict the people who killed a child in a drive-by shooting. It’s too effective of a tool, I think, to just go away. I think the right thing to do is keep it with safeguards in place.”