Letter from the Sheriff - License Plate Readers

December 18, 2023

Fellow Citizens of Camden County,

I write to you today with a heavy heart and sense of deep concern regarding the recent decision made by the Camden County Commission to pass an ambiguous law banning license plate recognition systems from our county. As Camden County Sheriff, it is my duty to prioritize your safety and uphold the law, and I am dismayed by this decision which undermines the valuable resources we have at our disposal.

License plate recognition systems are in use across our country and have proven to be an invaluable tool in our efforts to apprehend felony suspects and solve crimes in our own community. These state-of-the-art devices have aided us in identifying and tracking down individuals involved in serious offenses, bringing justice to those victimized by their criminal behavior. Removing these tools from our arsenal diminishes our ability to effectively combat crime and protect you, the citizens of our great county.

While I am disheartened by the commissioners' intervention in law enforcement matters, I want to assure each of you that I will not waiver in my commitment to keeping our citizens safe and reducing crime. Despite this setback, I will continue to utilize the resources available to me within my office and collaborate with adjoining agencies to uphold the law and maintain public order.

I understand the concerns that may have led to the commission's decision, but it is important to strike a balance between privacy and public safety. License plate recognition systems have been instrumental in preserving the peace within our community, and their removal threatens the progress we made in recent years.

I urge you, the citizens of Camden County, to voice your concerns and engage in constructive dialogue with your elected officials. Together, we can find common ground and work towards solutions that prioritize both privacy and public safety.

Thank you for your continued support and please remain ever assured that my commitment to your safety remains unwavering.

Sincerely,

Tony R Helms

Sheriff, Camden County