Marshall County Council passes resolution to defund Flock cameras

PLYMOUTH - The Marshall County Council met on Monday night, and once again the debate over the use of Flock cameras was center stage. The center of the discussion on this agenda was a proposed resolution stating that "...funds were not appropriated or otherwise available..." for continuing the contract for the devices.

The Marshall County Council met on Monday night, and once again the debate over the use of Flock cameras was center stage.
The center of the discussion on this agenda was a proposed resolution stating that "...funds were not appropriated or otherwise available..." for continuing the contract for the devices.
Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman, whose office signed the current contract with Flock, gave the council several exhibits, including case law in the state of Indiana about the proper use of Flock cameras, and told the Council the statute at "the heart" of the resolution was an attempt to make the debate about money.

The funds paying for the cameras come from a discretionary fund, pre-trial diversion fund, available to prosecutors, collected from offenders and not direct tax dollars. Chipman contended that the Council was interfering with the execution of a legal contract.

Legal Counsel for the Council disagreed.

Several citizens spoke during the public hearing, most stating agreement with the Council passing the resolution.

During Council discussion, Councilman Will Patterson questioned the validity of the current contract.

Councilman Greg Compton felt that doing away with the cameras might be a step too far.

Compton and Councilman Jim Masterson were the only no votes on the resolution that cancels the agreement with Flock on Dec. 31, 2026.