Bedford County commissioners approved Resolution 26‑14 on Nov. 11 to complete documentation needed for the county’s previously approved Flock camera purchase. The resolution finalizes the administrative steps required to deploy the system.

During discussion several commissioners said constituents raised questions about how Flock’s cameras and associated AI process and store data, and what would happen to that data if the vendor were acquired by a larger company. One commissioner said chief deputy Nikkia Elliott — the department expert — was unavailable due to a Veterans Day event and thus some technical questions remained unanswered. Citing that lack of information, two commissioners abstained from the roll‑call vote rather than vote yes or no.

Despite the abstentions, the roll call recorded 15 votes in favor and two passes/abstentions; the resolution was approved. Commissioners requested that staff obtain and circulate more detailed vendor documentation on data storage, AI‑processing and retention policies so outstanding privacy questions can be addressed.

Next steps: the sheriff’s office and vendor are expected to provide written information on how data are stored, who has access, and policies that would apply if the vendor’s ownership changes.