Chief Harry Haas explained how his department restricts access to Flock cameras during a public meeting in Avondale Estates. The presentation comes as multiple Georgia officers face charges for misusing the surveillance system. AVONDALE ESTATES, Ga. – Avondale Estates residents voiced intense privacy concerns during a city council meeting as Police Chief Harry Hess defended his department's use of Flock surveillance cameras. A couple-dozen neighbors packed Avondale Estates City Hall to express fears that Flock cameras placed throughout the city could violate their constitutional rights and privacy. Residents specifically warned about potential system breaches by hackers and unauthorized data access by officers. Local resident Laura Whalen told city leaders she is concerned about law enforcement using the cameras inappropriately and called for full transparency regarding how the system is used. Chief Hess tried to calm community concerns, explaining that access to the department's Flock system is strictly controlled. Hess stated that patrol sergeants have in-state access, criminal investigators have full search access, and he and the deputy chief have no-search access. He noted that the technology is a valuable law enforcement tool that has successfully helped officers track down criminals and locate missing people. To maintain system integrity, Hess said the Avondale Estates Police Department conducts audits of its Flock system each week. The debate in Avondale…
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