Erwin approves police use of Flock cameras under state law

The Erwin Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a resolution Monday authorizing the Erwin Police Department to use license plate recognition cameras, commonly known as Flock cameras, on town rights-of-way to assist with criminal investigations. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved Resolution No. 1323-26, allowing the department to utilize automated license plate recognition systems in accordance with state law. Interim Erwin Police Chief Maj. Tony Buchanan explained that the resolution formally grants permission for the department to deploy the cameras, which are regulated under multiple sections of Tennessee law. Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-302 limits the retention of license plate data collected by law enforcement agencies to no more than two years, while TCA § 10-7-504 classifies the data as confidential. Placement of the cameras on state highway rights-of-way is governed by TCA § 55-8-198. Buchanan noted that approval from the Tennessee Department of Transportation is required before cameras can be installed along state highways, citing the statute that governs their placement. He said the town plans to place the cameras within town rights-of-way as an additional tool for public safety "to aid in criminal investigations and searches for missing and endangered persons." During the meeting, City Attorney Tom Seeley also addressed questions about leadership within the police department, stating that the town will not appoint a new police chief until an investigation into the former chief has concluded. He said there is currently no timeline for when that process will be completed. In other business, the board approved Resolution No. 1324-26, establishing guidelines for records maintenance and retention. The resolution authorizes the University of Tennessee, through the Municipal Technical Advisory Service, to assist the town in compiling, organizing and printing records, particularly those with historical significance. The guidelines are based on the MTAS records retention schedule and are intended to help identify which records should be preserved and which may be disposed of in the future. The next meeting of the Erwin Board of Mayor and Aldermen is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, at Erwin Town Hall.