A report by WBIR says that, in a unanimous vote, the Knox County Commission has enacted an emergency ordinance banning automated license plate readers (ALPRs), Flock cameras, and unpermitted surveillance technology. The measure mandates the complete removal of the devices and the destruction of associated data within 30 days.

The sweeping legislation follows revelations that the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) bypassed county purchasing laws, spending approximately $800,000 on cameras without commission approval since 2020. Under the new rules, KCSO has until September 16 to remove the equipment or face county intervention.

Commissioners also targeted the planned $1.5 million Advanced Research and Communications Center (ARCC), halting its operations until the sheriff’s office demonstrates a transparent public safety need. While mobile license plate readers and a limited fleet of up to 10 drones remain permitted under strict operational guidelines, automated facial recognition and general public surveillance are now strictly prohibited.