New Hanover Co. Sheriff launches public portal for Flock camera transparency

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new public portal detailing its use of the Flock Safety camera program.

According to the portal, 36 cameras are currently operating in New Hanover County. More than 760,000 vehicles have been detected by the cameras over the past 30 days.

Sheriff Ed McMahon said data collected by the cameras will now be retained for 30 days, down from the previous 90-day retention period.

The sheriff said the change is part of an effort to strengthen oversight and auditing of the program.

“An internal audit will be conducted every month and will be provided directly to me for my review, technology should never operate without accountability,” McMahon said.

McMahon said employees who misuse the program could face disciplinary action, including termination and possible criminal prosecution.