Update to an earlier report: This article includes new information about a story we previously covered. Read our earlier report.
Guyton police will be able to search vehicle information collected by Effingham County’s Flock camera system after the City Council approved access in a 3-1 vote Thursday.
No Flock cameras are located within Guyton city limits, officials said.
The county system uses automated license plate readers to record vehicle information. Police could search those records while investigating crimes.
Residents questioned why the department needed access and warned that the system could be misused. One asked whether residents had a say, while another said the concern was the potential for camera abuse.
City Attorney Benjamin Perkins said the system could help officers identify a vehicle connected to an incident, including a reported shooting.
He said Guyton has rules intended to prevent improper use. Perkins said misuse could lead to corrective or disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
The council’s meeting also followed Mayor Andy Harville’s resignation last week.
City Manager Bill Lindsey described the departure as unexpected and said Harville offered little explanation beyond citing health issues.
Guyton must hold a special election because Harville had more than 14 months left in his term.
Officials said March, June or November could be possible timing for the election, but they have not finalized a date.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
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