SC sheriff's office quoted me $9k for a simple Flock records request
4 days ago
- #privacy
- #FOIA
- #surveillance
- Richland County Sheriff’s Department quoted over $9,000 for a Flock records request, while other departments provided the same data for $20.
- Flock Safety's surveillance system captures more than license plates, tracking vehicle movements and expanding into AI-powered individual identification.
- Richland County's exorbitant fee appears to be a tactic to obstruct public access to records, violating South Carolina FOIA laws.
- Flock’s database includes individuals not convicted of crimes, raising ethical concerns and prompting lawsuits over Fourth Amendment violations.
- Independent journalists and researchers are mapping Flock cameras to inform the public about surveillance practices.
- The sheriff’s department’s response contradicts FOIA requirements, which mandate low-cost, convenient access to public records.