Hays County grapples with eliminating license plate readers

License plate readers in Hays County

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis says license plate readers would have helped police catch the suspect from yesterday's triple shooting, but they don't have them anymore. License plate readers are a tool Hays County commissioners continue to delay purchasing more of for the county. Residents have expressed privacy concerns. FOX 7 Austin's CrimeWatch reporter Meredith Aldis has more.

HAYS COUNTY, Texas - Hays County commissioners are grappling with the idea of adding more license plate readers for the county.

Meanwhile, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said LPRs would have helped police catch the suspect in Monday's mass shooting.

However, residents have voiced privacy concerns about the cameras.

Shooting at North Austin Target

What they're saying:

Ethan Nieneker is the man Austin police say shot and killed three people in the parking lot of a target in North Austin, stole two cars, then was found in South Austin. Davis said multiple 911 calls and APD’s Air Support helped them find him Monday afternoon.

Chief Davis said license plate readers would have helped, too.

Austin police release more info on Target shooting

The Austin Police Department has released the identities of the suspect and the three people killed in Monday's shooting at a North Austin Target. FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen has more.

"I'm a big fan of the, and maybe not Flock camera, definitely a fan of LPR and what that can do and when you're looking at violent crimes such as this, it absolutely helps in the apprehension," Davis said.

Flock cameras take pictures of cars passing by and if one is connected to a crime, law enforcement is alerted. Austin Police doesn’t have them anymore as back in June, Austin’s program ended after the city manager decided to axe it.

Hays County grapples with ending program

What they're saying:

Ending the program is a move Hays County Commissioners may be considering, too.

"I feel like right now when it comes to the type of carceral surveillance ALPRs represent, we’re on a very slow-moving train to a very dangerous place," San Marcos resident Amy Camp said.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office currently uses six license plate reader cameras. The department is looking to purchase four more.

In February, the Commissioners Court approved the purchase using grant money. The order form was incomplete though, as it was missing a signature, so it went back to Commissioners Court to rubber stamp it again. Now, commissioners continue to delay the vote.

Controversy over automated license plate readers

Both Austin and San Marcos are debating the future of automatic license plate reader programs, often used to track stolen and wanted vehicles. However the Flock cameras have been scrutinized over privacy concerns and access to data.

"My interest in terminating all Flock contracts, agenda item, will not open, I will not open I3 because I’ve committed to giving time for conversation," Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said.

Hays County residents have expressed privacy concerns.

"Any freedom loving person should be against this," Texas State professor Nathan Pino said.

"Safety comes from a fair legal system and from giving people the tools to thrive, not from mass surveillance," Mano Amiga policy director Eric Martinez said.

Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hipolito said in a statement:

"Flock technology has proven to be an invaluable tool for modern law enforcement. Its ability to quickly capture and relay critical vehicle information has enhanced our investigative capabilities, increased our efficiency, and ultimately helped us solve crimes faster. This system acts as a force multiplier—providing data that allows our deputies to respond swiftly, track down suspects, recover stolen property, and, most importantly, keep our community safe. I was elected to keep Hays County safe, and I believe I would be doing a disservice to our community if I did not leverage the best technology available to protect them. Flock is not just a piece of technology; it’s a partner in our mission to protect and serve with integrity, accountability, and unwavering dedication to public safety and justice."

What's next:

The Judge said he is giving one more week to hear from community members, then this topic will be back on next Tuesday's Commissioners Court agenda.