Jackson Ends License Plate Reader Contract
Police Chief RaShall Brackney announces the city will not renew its agreement with Flock following privacy concerns.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced that the city will not renew its contract with Flock, the company behind automated license plate reader technology. The decision follows growing concerns from residents regarding privacy and potential misuse of the devices.
Why it matters
The decision marks a shift in how Jackson balances public safety technology with civil liberty concerns. City officials are now evaluating how future security systems can integrate with existing camera networks and the local Real-Time Command Center.
Deputy City Attorney Jason Nabors confirmed the city remains under an active contract with Flock. While the company reports that 20% of U.S. crimes have been solved using its devices, Jackson is currently drafting formal responses for residents.
The players
RaShall Brackney
RaShall Brackney is the Police Chief of Jackson who announced the decision to discontinue the city's partnership with Flock.
Vernon Hartley
Vernon Hartley serves as the Jackson City Council President who received communications from residents regarding the license plate readers.
Jason Nabors
Jason Nabors is the Deputy City Attorney responsible for confirming the current legal status of the city's agreement with the technology provider.
Flock
Flock is a technology company that provides automated license plate reader devices used by law enforcement agencies across the United States.
The details
City Council members are working with the City Attorney to address complaints about the technology, following an influx of communication from the public. The city is now prioritizing an internal review of how surveillance tools function within its existing infrastructure.
Timeline
September 2024: The Jackson City Council approved the initial contract with Flock.
October 14, 2026: Chief Brackney announced the non-renewal decision at a City Council committee meeting.
Legal Context
Jackson's decision reflects the broader national trend of cities re-evaluating the adoption of automated surveillance tools. This follows increasing legal scrutiny regarding how municipal agencies balance crime-solving capabilities with data privacy mandates.
Residents may see changes in how surveillance data is collected and managed by the city as the police department shifts away from current reader systems. The City Attorney is currently drafting formal responses to address community privacy concerns regarding these devices.
The takeaway
Jackson is prioritizing internal transparency as it moves toward phasing out specific surveillance technology. Residents are encouraged to monitor future City Council committee meetings for updates on the transition plan for the Real-Time Command Center.
Further reading
For more on how the city handles public safety, view the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wlbt.
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Do you believe the security benefits of automated license plate readers outweigh the privacy concerns?
