Carolina Beach residents voice mixed opinions over Flock security cameras

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Carolina Beach residents voiced mixed opinions Tuesday over the town’s use of Flock security cameras, with most people who spoke during public comment raising concerns about privacy and surveillance, while others defended the technology as an important law enforcement tool.

The discussion came during a Carolina Beach Town Council meeting. The town’s calendar confirms the council met Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Critics cited recent controversies involving Flock cameras and their use by law enforcement agencies across the Cape Fear region.

Supporters, however, said the cameras provide police with another tool to investigate crime, particularly in a community whose population increases significantly during the tourism season.

“In a community where our population swells, Flock technology provides public safety and a huge assist to our local law enforcement team,” one supporter said.

New Hanover County Board of Education member David Perry also attended the meeting and spoke against the technology. Perry said he believes the cameras raise constitutional concerns, specifically involving the Fourth Amendment.

“I’m also an elected member of the New Hanover County Board of Education and the only reason I bring that up is because after I was elected in 2024, I had to swear an oath to be sworn in,” Perry said. “And the most important thing that I swore was that I was going to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and that includes the 4th Amendment. These Flock cameras completely violate the 4th Amendment.”

Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee said before the meeting that the town has at least five Flock cameras. He said he has asked questions about what safeguards are in place to protect the privacy of residents and visitors.

Barbee said he wanted to hear directly from residents who oppose the cameras, describing public comment as an important part of the democratic process.

“That’s the wonderful thing is that we get to go to town hall and we get to express our concerns,” Barbee said. “And so, me as an elected official, I want to hear, I want to know what their concerns are.”

The debate comes as Flock cameras face increased scrutiny in communities across North Carolina and the country over privacy, data access and potential misuse.

Barbee said the town has not previously discussed ending its contract with Flock, but the Town Council is aware of concerns surrounding the technology.

The council did not take formal action following Tuesday’s public comments.