HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia residents still have questions about Flock Safety cameras, laws and how law enforcement can use the data. Several Georgia officers, including five in Middle Georgia, have recently faced consequences after being accused of misusing the system. Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards says while these cameras can help law enforcement investigate crimes, there are also rules about how the information can be accessed and used. Edwards says state law makes it a criminal offense for any individual to misuse Flock data for purposes unrelated to law enforcement. Those who violate the law could face arrest and prosecution. He says the only ones with access to information are law enforcement agencies, district attorneys and neighboring Jurisdictions. “Obviously it’s a relatively new technology,” he said. “It’s an incredible tool for law enforcement. I’ve referenced how we have had cases that were solved by Flock, including the drive-by shooting of an 8-year-old in 2023. So, it’s had a positive impact here in Houston County in terms of our law enforcement and holding people accountable for crimes. But the potential does exist there for misuse, so I’m glad that there is a criminal penalty for misusing that data, and that’s where I feel like it should land.” Earlier this month, a Houston County school resource officer was suspended without pay pending termination after an audit found she misused data. Edwards says the rules will…
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