Pittsboro Residents Voice Privacy Concerns Over Flock Cameras

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Pittsboro residents are pushing back against the presence of Flock license plate reader cameras in their community, raising concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of the data collected. Residents spoke out at a town commission meeting, expressing worries that the camera system violates their Fourth Amendment rights and that the data could be accessed by various entities without their knowledge or consent.

Why it matters

The debate over Flock cameras highlights the ongoing tension between public safety and individual privacy rights. As more communities adopt this type of surveillance technology, concerns about government overreach and the erosion of civil liberties have come to the forefront, sparking discussions about the appropriate use of such tools.

The details

The Pittsboro Police Department installed the Flock camera system in January 2024, and according to a 2025 presentation, the cameras have helped solve several cases, including stolen cars, a hit-and-run, and larcenies. However, residents argue that the constant monitoring of their vehicles as they go about their daily lives, such as leaving their homes or going to church, is an unacceptable invasion of privacy. They also expressed concerns about the lack of control over how the collected data may be used by various entities.

• The Flock camera system went live in Pittsboro in January 2024.
• The Pittsboro Police Department provided a '2024 Update' on the camera system to the town commission in March 2025.

What’s next

The Pittsboro Police Department has stated that they are working on a statement about the Flock cameras, which will be provided to WRAL when available.