Rutherfordton Police Defend Flock Cameras

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — The Rutherfordton Police Department is addressing recent questions and concerns from the public regarding the use of Flock Safety cameras throughout the community, emphasizing that the technology is designed to assist with criminal investigations—not to enforce routine traffic violations.

According to the department, the cameras are not used for speed enforcement and do not issue citations for minor traffic offenses or other motor vehicle infractions. Instead, they serve as an investigative tool that helps law enforcement identify vehicles connected to serious crimes and emergencies.

Police say the cameras can provide critical information in investigations involving stolen vehicles, missing persons, Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, homicides, shootings, robberies, wanted individuals, and other major criminal cases. Officials noted that timely access to vehicle information can often make the difference between solving a case and leaving victims and families without answers.

The department is asking residents to consider the value of the technology in emergency situations.

"If your child, parent, spouse, or loved one was missing or in danger, would you want law enforcement to have every lawful tool available to help bring them home safely?" the department asked in its statement.

Officials also addressed recent incidents involving damage to the cameras. Each Flock Safety camera costs approximately $3,500 to replace, and police say those expenses ultimately impact the entire community by reducing resources available for public safety.

The department warned that if cameras continue to be vandalized, additional cameras or surveillance equipment may need to be installed to identify those responsible, creating even greater costs for taxpayers.

Police reminded the public that intentionally damaging, disabling, tampering with, or destroying public safety equipment is a criminal offense. The Rutherfordton Police Department says it will thoroughly investigate any incidents involving damaged cameras and pursue criminal charges against those responsible to the fullest extent permitted under North Carolina law.

The department is also urging anyone with information about vandalism involving the cameras to contact law enforcement immediately. Residents who witness someone damaging public safety equipment are encouraged to call 911.

Officials say the cameras exist to help protect the community, assist victims, locate missing persons, recover stolen property, support families during critical incidents, and hold offenders accountable.