Following months of mounting pressure and debate from local residents over privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns, Blount County commissioners have voted to hold a dedicated public hearing regarding the sheriff’s office’s automated license plate reader cameras.

The public hearing is officially scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office currently operates 21 Flock Safety cameras countywide to assist in investigating crimes under a contract running through November 2028. While supporters argue the devices are vital public safety tools that deserve an open forum to clear up community misunderstandings, opponents have questioned the procedural validity of holding a hearing without a specific legislative action or contract vote attached to it.

During the upcoming session, the sheriff’s office will receive 20 minutes to present its case, commissioners will have up to 10 minutes each to ask questions, and a total of one hour has been set aside for public comment. No vote on canceling or altering the camera contract is planned.