AIKEN, S.C. — The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office plans to operate a Flock license plate reader inside North Augusta city limits as part of a countywide camera partnership, city public safety leaders told council.
On Sept. 28, the North Augusta Department of Public Safety informed the city council during a study session that the sheriff’s office would be operating a Flock license plate reader inside the city limits. The camera will be located off Exit 21 of Interstate 520, near Belvedere Road and a Department of Public Safety station, according to the briefing.
A separate account of the plan says the camera will be installed at the far corner near the storm-drain pond, not in front of Fire Station Three, on Belvedere-Clearwater Road near I-520. The sheriff’s office owns the camera and will control the system; North Augusta public safety can ask the sheriff’s office to check it during investigations.
North Augusta Department of Public Safety Chief Junior Johnson said investigators could use the system if a suspect vehicle leaves the area after a crime, seeking a car description and leads. City leaders said the arrangement did not require a formal council vote because it is a county-operated system.
Councilman Dennis Briatico said he would vote no if asked and argued local governments should pause expansion until more court rulings clarify how historical Flock searches can be used. He noted an Oklahoma federal ruling that a warrantless month-long Flock history search violated the Fourth Amendment.
Officials said access within North Augusta public safety is limited, and that the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office conducts self-audits every 15 to 30 days. Barring further objections, the city plans to move forward with providing the location.
