Clearwater County Sheriff's Office announces non-renewal of Flock Camera system

Clearwater County Sheriff's Office is providing notice that they will not be renewing their agreement for the Flock camera system.

Their current contract will conclude on Sept. 22.

"When we entered this agreement, our goal was to evaluate whether this technology would provide a meaningful benefit to public safety in Clearwater County. After approximately nine months of use, I have determined that the system has not demonstrated sufficient operational value to justify its continued cost based on the needs of our office and our community," Sheriff John Smith explained.

"Our contract allows us to provide a notice of non-renewal, and I have made the decision to discontinue the program. The funds previously dedicated to this system will instead be directed toward equipment to support core law enforcement functions, including proactive patrol, criminal investigations, and other public safety priorities that I believe will provide a greater return for the citizens of Clearwater County," Smith continued.

"The Sheriff's Office will fulfill all contractual obligations regarding the deactivation and removal of the equipment. We will provide additional information as the transition moves forward and the final operational timeline is established," he said.

"As Sheriff, I have a responsibility to evaluate every program and every expenditure to ensure we are making the best use of taxpayer resources. While I appreciate the opportunity to evaluate this technology, I believe this decision is in the best interest of Clearwater County. My commitment remains the same: to provide professional, effective law enforcement while being a responsible steward of the public's trust and resources," Smith concluded.

Notice non-renewal