Rio Rancho, N.M. – On Sept. 2, 44‑year‑old Jevon Martinez posted a video of himself loading what he called “bad boys” – ten Flock Safety camera systems – into the bed of his pickup truck. Martinez said he was helping the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) by removing equipment after Sheriff John Allen terminated the department’s three contracts with the vendor.
County’s decision to end Flock contracts
Earlier in September, Sheriff Allen announced the termination of all three contracts with Flock Safety, citing concerns over privacy, data‑sharing practices, and a loss of confidence in the company’s safeguards. While Allen remains supportive of automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) technology, he indicated the county would seek alternative vendors that better protect citizens’ data.
Martinez’s actions and arrest
Martinez’s social‑media post explained that, because BCSO was “busy,” he took it upon himself to remove the equipment and return it. In the video he repeatedly referred to the cameras as “tyranny trees” and challenged viewers to see how much he could haul in a day. He insisted he was neither destroying nor stealing the gear, describing it as property left unattended.
Law‑enforcement officials, however, say only two of the ten systems recovered were owned by BCSO; the remaining eight were managed by neighborhood associations. The sheriff’s office maintains that the equipment remained property of the respective owners and that Martinez had no authority to remove it.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies stopped Martinez outside the sheriff’s office after he drove past the headquarters three times with the equipment still in his truck. Deputies approached with guns drawn, placed him in handcuffs, and arrested him on attempted larceny over $2,500 and interference with communications charges.
Legal context and prior case
Martinez previously faced a separate Sandoval County case involving alleged removal and damage to three ALPR systems, for which he was charged with nine felonies. He remains in custody on that matter pending a grand‑jury indictment. In Bernalillo County court, Judge Claire McDaniel did not order pre‑trial detention for the camera‑removal case, but Martinez remains detained because of the outstanding Sandoval County charges.
Community concerns about surveillance
The incident highlights ongoing community debate over the balance between public‑safety technology and privacy rights. While ALPRs can aid investigations by recording license‑plate data, critics worry about the potential for mass data collection and misuse. Sheriff Allen’s decision to end the contracts reflects a growing caution among law‑enforcement leaders about data‑privacy safeguards.
Residents who oppose pervasive surveillance argue that such systems can create detailed movement histories for ordinary citizens, raising constitutional questions about unreasonable searches. Proponents, including the sheriff’s office, contend that when properly managed, ALPRs are valuable tools for solving crimes and enhancing public safety.
What’s next?
The county will continue reviewing alternative vendors for its ALPR and speed‑camera needs, seeking solutions that address privacy concerns while preserving law‑enforcement capabilities. Martinez’s case remains pending, and the outcome will likely influence how private citizens interact with law‑enforcement equipment in the future.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
