Sheriff McMahon Announces Policy Changes Amid Flock Camera Concerns
New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon addressed concerns regarding the use of Flock cameras, which are license plate readers (LPRs) that have sparked a national debate over privacy and safety. In a statement, Sheriff McMahon emphasized the importance of using this technology responsibly to solve crimes and locate missing persons. The sheriff announced a reduction in the data retention period from 90 days to 30 days and introduced a monthly internal audit to ensure proper use of the system. Additionally, a public portal has been launched to provide transparency about the number of cameras, searches conducted, and policy details. Sheriff McMahon assured that misuse of the technology would lead to accountability measures, including potential termination and criminal prosecution.