Update to an earlier report: This article includes new information about a story we previously covered. Read our earlier report.
DeKalb County commissioners voted 5-2 in Decatur on Tuesday to reject an independent civilian committee that would have monitored and audited the county’s Digital Shield surveillance systems.
The proposed oversight covered Flock automated license-plate readers and police cameras. Commissioner Ted Terry introduced the measure after reports accused Georgia law enforcement officers of improper surveillance use.
A county internal review separately found that several DeKalb Police employees had previously violated departmental rules governing surveillance-camera use.
Commissioner LaDena Bolton opposed the resolution, arguing that surveillance technology helps law enforcement and that camera placement or stronger policies could be considered instead. It was not clear whether opponents would bring forward another policy proposal.
How often the department audits access to Digital Shield, and whether it makes usage reports public, also remained unknown. Terry indicated he was unlikely to reintroduce the measure soon. County rules require at least three commissioners to endorse a proposal before it can be brought forward.
By News Now Georgia
Marcus Jones
News Now Georgia
