Christiansburg removes Flock Safety cameras after unanimous council vote

26 August 2026.

Christiansburg Town Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, August 26, 2026, to terminate the town's contract with Flock Safety and remove six license plate reading cameras that were scheduled for installation. The decision followed a public hearing marked by substantial community participation and applause at the council's choice.

Under the original two-year agreement, the town had committed to the camera program. Upon formal contract termination, all collected data will be deleted. The town will forfeit an $18,000 investment made toward the system.

Police Chief Chris Ramsey acknowledged the cameras' investigative value but stated that maintaining public trust in the department was paramount. Ramsey noted that while the technology offered capabilities useful for law enforcement, the decision reflected what residents determined was best for their community, even if it constrained investigative options.

Councilwoman Kim Bowman, who opposed the cameras from inception, characterized the vote as responsive to resident preferences. Councilwoman Johanna Hicks, who originally supported bringing cameras to town, changed her position due to expanding privacy concerns about ubiquitous tracking of residents.

Some residents disagreed with the removal. One resident cited the potential for cameras to prevent abductions and provide a sense of security. Town staff were working with Flock to disable camera access as of Wednesday evening, with physical removal of the devices expected to require additional time.

Readers can examine their own municipality's records to learn whether similar camera contracts are under consideration or in effect.

Read the original reporting: wdbj7.com.