Sherman council votes to remove 11 Flock cameras

SHERMAN, Texas — The Sherman City Council voted 7-0 Monday, Oct. 19, to end the city's use of its 11 Flock automated license plate readers, according to KXII's report from the meeting. The city plans to let its contract with Flock Group expire and remove its cameras. The decision followed residents' concerns about privacy and how license plate data is handled. Mayor Shawn Teamann told KXII the vote reflected feedback from Sherman residents. Council member Clay Barnett said he saw value in the cameras as a police tool but was concerned about data after it left the city's control. The council's action does not mean every license plate reader inside Sherman will be removed. Cameras operated by other county or state agencies are outside the city's decision, Teamann said. Acting City Manager Clint Philpot said physical removal of the city's equipment will take time, even though the resolution took effect immediately. The council also required a public hearing before a city department installs automated license plate readers in the future. That gives residents another chance to weigh in if officials propose replacing the system. Residents can follow the implementation through Sherman City Council records and future public meeting notices. The vote concerns the city's own cameras and contract; it does not settle how other agencies use similar technology in Grayson County.