Coopertown, Tennessee, to Remove Flock License Plate Reader Cameras

Nashville, TN, September 20, 2026 —

Coopertown, Tennessee, is set to remove all four of its Flock license plate reader cameras. The decision comes after Mayor Jeff Smith announced the town’s intention to discontinue the use of the technology.

Mayor Smith cited community feedback as a primary driver for the removal. He also highlighted concerns raised by residents regarding privacy issues and the potential for misconduct associated with the license plate readers.

The specific timeline for the removal of the cameras was not provided in the available information. Similarly, details regarding the initial installation date, the vendor of the cameras, or any specific incidents that may have contributed to the decision were not made public.

Flock Safety, the company that provides the license plate reader technology, offers cameras that capture images of license plates and vehicle details. These systems are often deployed by law enforcement agencies to aid in investigations, locate stolen vehicles, and identify potential suspects. However, their use has also drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates and some community members due to privacy implications and the potential for misuse of the data collected.

The decision in Coopertown reflects ongoing debates in communities across the United States concerning the balance between public safety tools and individual privacy rights. While official statements attributed the removal to resident feedback and privacy concerns, further details on the nature of these concerns or the specific community engagement process were not elaborated upon.

As Coopertown proceeds with the removal, the town will no longer utilize the four Flock license plate reader cameras that were previously in operation. The exact future plans for surveillance technology within the town were not disclosed.

Story summarized from the original created by Braden Ross on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.

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