By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers:
Surveillance has become nearly ubiquitous in the U.S. these days. Stores of all kinds have cameras inside and out. Facial recognition technology speeds travelers through airports using programs like Clear, while toll roads no longer collect payment at staff booths: license plate readers capture images and send online bills.
One of the top purveyors of surveillance technology is Flock Safety, which offers programs with names like “Falcon” and “Sparrow” — automated license plate readers, ALPR — and “Raven,” an audio gunshot detector.
Controversy surrounds Flock and opponents come from both sides of the political spectrum. Glenn Jacobs, the Republican past mayor of Knox County, announced shortly before his second term ended in August he was canceling the county’s contract with the company. Nashville’s Metro Council hasn’t approved the citywide use of ALPRs.
Contributing writer Larry Griffin examines the Flock issue in East Tennessee, where a Sullivan County official went viral for his virulent remarks about the company — but the county, among others, proceeded to put the kibosh on renewing Flock’s contract.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
The increasing use of Flock automated license plate readers, ALPR, is drawing scrutiny from East Tennessee elected officials and members of the public. (Photo: Getty Images)
by Larry Griffin for Tennessee Lookout
In East Tennessee, as in other parts of the U.S., there’s a reckoning over Flock security cameras that have been used to monitor traffic in over the past few years. The issue has sparked debate over the conflicting values of privacy and community safety, with some cities and counties cutting contracts and others fulling embracing the technology.
NEWS AND NOTES
As the Trump administration dismantles Temporary Protected Status, Salvadorans may be next | Ariana Figueroa, States Newsroom
COMMENTARY
Dolly Parton, pictured in 2020, could have become a billionaire. Instead, she used her money to help others, including her native East Tennesseans and created a program to support childhood literacy. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
by Ren Brabenec
Tennessee’s Dolly Parton broke the mold of the traditional capitalistic “rags to riches” success story in several ways, including how quickly she shifted her focus from advancing her career to helping others.
ICYMI
Labor unions are growing, but where depends on state politics | Kevin Hardy, Stateline
Defense contractor to lay off 127 workers in Hardeman County | Cassandra Stephenson
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