The Macon County Sheriff’s Office has posted a 159‑page audit of its Flock automatic license‑plate reader (ALPR) system, fulfilling a public‑records request filed by Carolina Public Press. The logs, covering Jan. 1 2024 through Oct. 13 2026, show a total of 13,698 network searches. Former deputy Jonathan Bean alone conducted 3,500 of those searches, representing 28% of all queries during the two‑year contract period.
Why the audit matters
County commissioners voted unanimously on July 14, 2026, to end the county’s lease with Flock Safety, a company that provides networked ALPR cameras. The decision came with three months left on the $31,950 contract signed in November 2023. After the termination notice was sent on July 21, the last recorded search occurred just after midnight on July 15, confirming the system was shut down promptly.
Details of the searches
Each entry in the audit required the officer’s name, reason for the search, number of other networks queried, and the time frame. Reasons ranged from “narcotics/drugs” and “welfare check” to generic “investigation.” Some entries were redacted, and a few lacked any reason at all. In 2024 most searches were labeled simply as “investigation,” while by 2026 the logs show more specific categories, with only five searches still using the generic label.
Deputy Bean’s termination and investigation
Bean was fired in October 2026 after an outside agency alerted Sheriff Brent Holbrooks to alleged misuse of the ALPR system. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has opened a probe into his actions. Bean declined to comment on the matter.
Broader context of Flock use in North Carolina
Across the state, several counties and municipalities have ended contracts with Flock, citing privacy concerns and Fourth‑Amendment questions. Privacy advocates argue that mass surveillance of vehicle plates can constitute unreasonable searches. Law‑enforcement leaders, including Sheriff Holbrooks before the contract’s termination, have defended the technology as a valuable tool for solving serious crimes.
Flock cameras have been credited with locating suspects in high‑profile cases, such as the Brown University shooting in December 2025, and the company claims to have helped find more than 10,000 missing persons in 2025. However, the technology has also faced criticism after reports of officers using it to track personal acquaintances and other non‑law‑enforcement purposes.
Transparency and accountability
By publishing the audit logs, Macon County demonstrates a commitment to transparency and to the constitutional rights of its residents. The county’s decision to end the contract and remove all non‑school cameras aligns with a growing emphasis on protecting privacy while still supporting legitimate public‑safety needs.
Residents can review the full audit at the sheriff’s office website, and the county will continue to evaluate alternative methods for vehicle identification that respect both safety and liberty.
Original reporting: Carolina Public Press — read the source article.
