10/13/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lovingston, VA — October 13th, 2026
To the Nelson County Community,
I would like to thank everyone who attended our Department’s Town Hall meeting on Thursday, October 8th, to discuss the usage of FLOCK Cameras in Nelson County.
For those who were unable to attend, I appreciate the submitted correspondence I have received regarding the usage of this technology. I have made the decision to discontinue the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office’s usage of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras and terminate our contract with Flock Safety.
Effective Tuesday, October 13, 2026, our office will no longer utilize this technology. Our contract with Flock Safety will officially end on October 13, 2026, and subsequently all three cameras will be physically removed by FLOCK Safety in the near future.
I want our community to understand both the reasoning behind this decision and the consideration that went into it. First, I want to acknowledge that these cameras have been effective for our Office. They have served as a useful tool for our deputies, and I do not want to minimize the positive impact they have had.
However, I fully recognize that just because this technological tool is effective, it does not necessarily mean that this same technology is the correct fit for the community we serve.
This was not a decision I made lightly. It required balancing the benefits of a law enforcement resource with the concerns expressed by the citizens we are sworn to protect.
Last week’s public forum was crucial, as it provided county residents the opportunity to ask questions, express their opinions, and to have a voice in the process.
Through many conversations held with county residents prior to, during, and following last week’s public meeting, I have heard many concerns. These concerns regard the invasion of personal privacy, the potential misuse of this system by members of our Office, and the broader implications of this technology in our everyday lives.
Each of these concerns deserve to be taken seriously.
I firmly believe that Public Safety and Public Trust are equally important. Throughout my tenure as Sheriff, I have made Transparency and Accountability priorities of this office. That means providing insight into Departmental decisions, listening to the citizens we serve, and being willing to re-evaluate our approach when necessary.
Our responsibility goes beyond determining whether a particular law enforcement tool is effective. Our duty is to also determine whether this technology reflects the values, expectations, and the trust of our community.
I sincerely appreciate everyone who has participated in this discussion, whether you supported the usage of ALPR cameras by our agency, opposed them, or you simply sought more information to render an educated decision. Respectful dialogue and differing opinions are important, and I truly believe every citizen deserves to know their voice matters.
While we are moving away from this particular technology, our dedication to the safety and well-being of Nelson County has not changed. The men and women of the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office will continue working diligently to prevent crime, investigate criminal activity, and to protect the citizens we proudly serve.
I remain committed to leading an office that values both effective law enforcement and the confidence of our citizens. I believe this decision reflects that unwavering commitment.
Thank you for your honesty, your involvement, and the trust you place in the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. It remains an honor and a privilege to serve as your Sheriff.
Very Truly,
Mark E. Embrey
Sheriff, Nelson County
