Good morning, Clayton!

I took last week off from Dispatch Duties to catch up on work and a couple of other personal projects I have in the hopper, but nonetheless, WE'RE BACK, and we've got a lot to talk about!

There's been a lot of talk around town about Flock Safety license plate reader cameras that are popping up, so we're getting into that this week. What they are, how they're being used by law enforcement, and what their growing presence means for privacy and surveillance here in Clayton.

We're also looking ahead to Monday's council meetings, with a beefy agenda that includes proposed changes to the town's advisory boards. As usual, there's some fun happening around Clayton this weekend, and I'll share my picks.

The Downtown Development Association piece is still coming.

Thanks for reading, sharing, and supporting independent local news.

Let's get into it!

The Dispatch Lead

What the Flock?

Clayton's police department uses automated license plate readers to help solve crimes. But as questions about surveillance, privacy, and accountability grow across the country, how much do we really know about who's watching us?

If you've driven around Clayton lately, you've probably passed one of those small black cameras mounted on a pole beside the road. You might not have even noticed it.

But there's a good chance it noticed you.

They're made by a company called Flock Safety, and unlike traditional traffic cameras, they're not looking for speeders or people running red lights. They're collecting information about vehicles passing in front of them, including license plates, vehicle descriptions, and the time and location of each encounter.

And you don't have to be suspected of committing a crime for your vehicle to be recorded.

The Clayton Police Department uses the cameras to help identify stolen vehicles, locate missing people, and assist in criminal investigations. Police Chief Greg Tart has been a vocal supporter of the technology, arguing that it helps his department solve crimes and protect both officers and residents.

But the cameras have also become a recurring subject of public comments at Town Council meetings, where residents have raised concerns about privacy, government surveillance, and the potential for misuse.

Those concerns were part of a lengthy discussion during Town Council's October 21 retreat, where police officials defended the system, and Council members debated whether additional public education would be worthwhile.

What Exactly Is Flock?

Flock Safety manufactures automated license plate readers, commonly called ALPRs.

When a vehicle passes one of these cameras, the system captures an image and uses software to identify the license plate and other characteristics, such as the vehicle's color, make, and body style.

The system associates that information with a time and location and stores it in a searchable database.

Law enforcement can search the database for specific vehicles, review where and when cameras captured them, and receive alerts when cameras detect license plates associated with stolen vehicles, wanted persons, or other law enforcement alerts.

According to the Town of Clayton's website, the cameras don't use facial recognition technology or identify people based on gender or race. The Town says captured information is retained for 30 days and that automated alerts must be verified by a person before officers take action. All good policies.

But the system isn't limited to vehicles involved in criminal investigations.

It collects information about ordinary vehicles traveling on public roads, whether their drivers are suspected of a crime or not.

That's where the privacy debate begins.

A single camera can establish that a vehicle passed a particular location at a particular time. A network of cameras can potentially reveal patterns of travel, including where someone regularly goes and when.

And unlike a police officer observing traffic, that information can be stored, searched, and shared electronically.

Residents Keep Asking Questions

Alan Huckle has become a familiar face at Clayton Town Council meetings.

He's appeared before Council on multiple occasions to express concerns about the Town's use of Flock cameras, repeatedly calling for the cancellation of Clayton's contract and the removal of the equipment.

At the October 19 meeting, Huckle returned to the podium with several examples of people whose lives were disrupted after police investigations involving automated license plate readers went wrong.

In April 2024, police stopped Brandon Upchurch in Toledo, Ohio, after a Flock camera incorrectly identified his license plate as one associated with a stolen vehicle. During the encounter, officers released a police dog that injured Upchurch. Police later determined the plate was misread, and they eventually dropped the criminal charges against him.

An internal investigation found that an officer had failed to visually verify the license plate before the stop. Read the reporting from 13ABC.

In another case, Maurice Walters spent 12 days in jail in Florida after investigators mistakenly connected his vehicle to one involved in a police pursuit using Flock technology.

And in San Diego, California, Hugo Parra spent nearly a month behind bars after police connected him to an attempted carjacking. Investigators relied in part on Flock information that identified a similar vehicle, even though the camera's timestamp placed it five miles from the crime.

Prosecutors eventually dropped the charges against Parra. Times of San Diego investigated his case.

These incidents weren't all caused by the same type of error. In some cases, cameras incorrectly identified information. In others, investigators apparently failed to properly interpret or verify what the technology provided.

And that's exactly what Huckle was getting at.

He argued that while technology can be an incredibly useful tool for law enforcement, overreliance on it can undermine the investigative skills and diligence needed to protect innocent people.

"Criminal investigations are one thing that I personally believe we should never find convenient," Huckle told Council.

His concern isn't simply that a camera might make a mistake. It's that having a massive, searchable database of vehicle movements could encourage investigators to rely too heavily on automated information instead of doing the work necessary to independently establish someone's guilt or innocence.

He ended his remarks by once again asking Council to cancel its contract with Flock and remove the cameras.

The Conversation at Town Council

During the October 21 Council retreat, the Police Department discussed Flock's capabilities, safeguards against misuse, and examples of investigations where the technology assisted officers.

A Clayton police officer explained that Flock had introduced automated auditing features designed to identify unusual search patterns and flag potentially improper use of the system.

That capability is particularly relevant given the growing number of documented incidents involving law enforcement personnel misusing license plate reader databases.

An August 2026 investigation by The Washington Post identified at least 69 police officials who had been accused, charged, or convicted of misusing Flock or other automated license plate reader systems.

In some cases, officers allegedly used the technology to monitor former romantic partners or people with whom they had personal relationships.

The department also explained that Clayton's Flock data is automatically deleted after 30 days, except when information is preserved for an investigation.

Chief Tart defended the system throughout the discussion, emphasizing its value in criminal investigations and officer safety.

He pointed to examples in which the technology had helped police locate missing people, identify suspects, recover stolen property, and make arrests involving outstanding warrants.

Tart argued that the technology provides information officers might otherwise have no practical way of obtaining and that it can help them approach potentially dangerous situations with better information.

There was general support for the technology among the officials participating in the discussion, although Council members approached the privacy concerns somewhat differently.

Mayor Pro Tem Andria Archer acknowledged that the technology could feel invasive and described the broader debate as a balance between privacy rights and law enforcement.

She said that learning more about the system and its uses had helped shape her perspective.

Council Member Porter Casey suggested that the Town hold a public information session where residents could learn more about the cameras, how the technology works, and what safeguards are in place.

But Council Member Ruth Anderson questioned whether such a meeting would be productive.

Anderson suggested that residents already opposed to the cameras were unlikely to change their minds, regardless of what information they received. She also said some people speaking out against Flock were using the issue to advance a broader agenda.

That exchange raises a question about how Town officials respond when residents repeatedly express concerns about a government program.

A public information session wouldn't necessarily change anyone's opinion about Flock. But it could give residents a chance to ask questions, understand how the Town uses the technology, and hear directly from the people overseeing it.

And that's valuable whether someone supports the cameras or not.

Who's Watching the Watchers?

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Flock isn't necessarily the cameras themselves. It's the network connecting them.

Flock allows participating law enforcement agencies to share access to their vehicle information with other agencies.

That means information collected by a camera in one community can potentially become available to investigators somewhere else.

The company says individual agencies control access to their information, and Clayton's published policy states that data may only be used for authorized law enforcement purposes.

But there have been documented problems with how these systems are accessed and monitored.

The Washington Post's investigation found that some police departments weren't regularly auditing how their officers used the technology. In several cases, outside researchers or journalists identified potentially improper searches before the departments themselves did.

This month, ABC11 reported that Apex Police restricted access to its Flock data after reviewing how often other agencies searched it.

Apex Police Chief Jason Johansen said officers from other agencies conducted about 99% of searches involving Apex's data, a finding that surprised him.

Apex subsequently restricted its data sharing to North Carolina and four surrounding states, with additional legal processes required for access outside that area.

None of this establishes that Clayton's information has been improperly accessed or that its officers have misused the system.

But it raises some fairly obvious questions.

Which agencies currently have access to Clayton's data? How many searches are conducted by Clayton officers compared with officers elsewhere? How frequently are those searches audited? And what happens if someone is found to have accessed the information improperly?

North Carolina law requires departments using automated license plate readers to establish written policies addressing data retention, sharing, employee training, access controls, and auditing.

The law also generally limits retention to 90 days unless information is preserved under specific legal procedures.

Clayton's stated 30-day retention period falls within that limit.

The Town also maintains a public information page directing residents to its Flock transparency portal, which provides information about system usage and policies.

Those are important safeguards.

Not Every Town Is Keeping Its Cameras

Clayton isn't the only North Carolina community having this conversation.

Earlier this year, officials in Pittsboro faced similar concerns from residents about privacy and the use of Flock's technology.

Pittsboro Police defended the system, saying it had helped with stolen-vehicle investigations, larcenies, and a hit-and-run.

Nevertheless, in May 2026, the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted 4–2 to terminate its contract with Flock and directed that the cameras be removed.

WRAL covered the decision, which followed months of public debate.

Pittsboro's decision doesn't necessarily mean Clayton should do the same.

But it demonstrates that local governments can reach different conclusions about the appropriate balance between public safety and personal privacy, even when police departments identify legitimate investigative benefits.

Dan's Half-Assed Take on Flock Cameras

Thanks for asking!

There's no question that automated license plate readers can provide useful information to law enforcement. I think Chief Tart said it best during the Council retreat. When you're the victim of a crime, you want the police to have every tool available to help solve it. A camera that helps locate a missing person, identify a suspect, or recover a stolen vehicle is, for sure, a tangible benefit.

And I'll say this: I would trust Chief Tart's police department with all of my personal information.

I've said it plenty of times: Chief Tart is hands down the best police chief Clayton has had in my lifetime. And since that's kind of like saying, "he's the nicest guy in prison," I'll do him one better and say that I think Chief Tart would make an incredible police chief at most any police department.

He sees citizens as people, not potential suspects, or worse, stats. And I think that makes a world of difference in how a police department operates.

BUT, great police chiefs retire.

And let's not forget that back in 2021, our then-Town Manager, J.D. Solomon, hauled a roughly 400-page investigative report into a Council meeting detailing serious problems within the Clayton Police Department under then-Chief Blair Myhand. Some of you will remember him waving around that huge draft report like a maniac. By the way, did we ever find out the details of that report?

My point is that leadership matters, and we've seen firsthand how much things can change depending on who's running the department.

So what matters to me is knowing Council is committed to keeping the standards of accountability, training, and oversight that Chief Tart established in place long after he's on a beach somewhere enjoying his retirement.

And that shouldn't just mean trusting whoever happens to be in charge. It should mean clear, enforceable policies, regular independent audits, and some level of public reporting so residents can see how the system is used and whether it's working.

Who runs the police department shouldn't determine whether our privacy is protected.

I don't think it's unreasonable to want police officers to have the tools they need to do their jobs. I also don't think it's unreasonable to question a system that records the movements of people who haven't been accused of anything.

Both things can be true.

And regardless of where someone stands on Flock, public oversight of surveillance technology shouldn't depend on whether the people asking questions are likely to change their minds. I think Council Member Porter Casey's suggestion of a public information session is a pretty reasonable place to start. It doesn't have to be a big Town Hall-style production, but if someone from the public comes to speak on this at a council meeting, someone at the town should take the time to talk with them, hear their concerns, and hopefully alleviate them.

The Town has an opportunity to explain not only why it believes the cameras are useful, but also how it's making sure they aren't abused. And I think that's a conversation worth having, even if some of the people aren't going to agree with the answers.

When the government collects information about where we go and when we get there, it's reasonable to ask who has access to that information and who is responsible for protecting it.

Who's watching the watchers?

How do I feel about Flock cameras and the general Big Brother surveillance state that we're flying towards at ludicrous speed? I hate it. If I could press a button and Snake Plissken everything away, I would, one hundred percent.

But I'm also practical, and I know we're never getting that toothpaste back in the tube. So the best we can hope for now is that local authorities use the technology responsibly, with multiple layers of oversight and real accountability when the system is abused.

Alan Huckle is absolutely correct: some things should not be convenient.

And remember, kids, one of the many benefits of physical media is that the CIA can't tell what's in your VCR, your cassette deck, or on your record player.

Town Hall Watch: Agenda Rundown for November 2?

Clayton Town Council has two meetings scheduled for Monday, November 2, with a work session beginning at 3 PM and the regular meeting at 6 PM. Both meetings are open to the public at Town Hall, 111 E. Second Street.

There's quite a bit on the agenda this week, including proposed changes to the Town's advisory boards, new restrictions on e-bikes, utility rate discussions, and a resolution that would authorize the Town to use eminent domain for a sewer infrastructure project.

Here's what caught our attention.

Changes Coming to Town Advisory Boards

One of the more significant items on Monday's agenda is a series of proposed changes to the rules governing Clayton's seven advisory boards.

Council will consider updated appointment procedures, a new process for investigating complaints and removing board members, and revisions to each board's bylaws.

Among the proposed changes are restrictions preventing residents from serving on multiple advisory boards simultaneously, disqualifying applicants with felony convictions, and establishing a formal process for handling alleged misconduct.

The Dispatch is particularly interested in the proposed changes to the Downtown Development Advisory Board (DDA). The revised bylaws continue to identify the board as the operational arm of the Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc., a nonprofit organization, while clarifying its advisory relationship with Town Council.

We've been looking into the DDA's mission, operations, and relationship with the Town for an upcoming story, so these changes are especially relevant.

Interestingly, all of these revisions are included on the consent agenda, meaning Council could approve them without individual discussion unless a member requests otherwise.

Town Seeks Authority to Use Eminent Domain for Sewer Project

Council will consider a resolution authorizing the acquisition of property easements needed for the Walnut Creek Outfall project.

The resolution identifies ten properties where the Town needs permanent utility easements or temporary construction access. It would authorize the Town Attorney to negotiate purchases with property owners or, if agreements can't be reached, initiate condemnation proceedings under North Carolina's eminent domain laws.

That doesn't necessarily mean the Town intends to take anyone's property through condemnation. However, the authorization would give it the legal ability to pursue that option.

The agenda doesn't specify how much these acquisitions will cost or whether any property owners have already objected.

This item is also on the consent agenda.

New Rules for E-Bikes and Scooters

During Monday's work session, Police Chief Greg Tart will present proposed changes to Clayton's ordinances governing bicycles, electric bikes, scooters, and other personal transportation devices.

Under the current draft, bicycles, e-bikes, and personal conveyance vehicles would be prohibited from operating on sidewalks. Electric bikes would also be limited to 10 mph on greenways, in parks, and on multi-use paths.

Another proposed restriction would prohibit e-bikes from operating on roads with posted speed limits greater than 25 mph.

The ordinance is still in the discussion phase, and Council isn't scheduled to vote on it Monday.

Replacement Fire Engine Purchase

Fire Chief David Ranes will request authorization to purchase a replacement fire engine for Unit #0181, which the Town lists as a loss.

According to the agenda, the purchase would be funded through insurance reimbursement. However, the packet doesn't include a purchase price, the amount of the insurance payment, or any additional funding that might be required.

Supporting documentation is expected to be provided later.

Water, Utilities, and Budget Discussions

There are several water and budget-related items on Monday's agendas.

During the work session, Budget Manager Todd Melton and Town Manager Rich Cappola will provide an update on rate schedules for water, electric, and solid waste services. No proposed rate changes or supporting rate tables were included in the agenda packet.

The Budget Office will also discuss updates to the Town's budget manual.

During the regular meeting, Council is expected to consider adopting Clayton's 2025 Local Water Supply Plan, a state-required document addressing current water use and future demand. Water Resources Director Joshua Baird will also provide an update on the Town's water supply wells.

Federal Transportation Funding

Council will consider an agreement with Raleigh, Johnston County, JCATS, and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) concerning federal transportation funds allocated to the Clayton urbanized area.

The proposed agreement would allow the participating agencies to access federal transit funding, with Clayton and Johnston County splitting certain required local matching costs at 30% and 70%, respectively.

A Few Other Items

Council is also scheduled to formally ratify the appointment of Allison Speight as the Town's Finance Officer and hear a presentation about Small Business Saturday.

Both meetings can be watched live on the Town of Clayton's YouTube channel.

Work Session: Monday, November 2, at 3 PM

Regular Meeting: Monday, November 2, at 6 PM

Downtown Dispatch

Horne Memorial's BBQ Pork Plate Sale Is Back This Friday

There are few things more Southern than a good old-fashioned church BBQ plate sale. And Horne has the best church BBQ in the game.

Horne Memorial United Methodist Church, right in the heart of Downtown Clayton, is firing things up this Friday, October 30, with BBQ pork plates starting at 11 AM.

If you're downtown for lunch, skip the usual routine and grab a plate from one of Clayton's longtime community institutions.

Horne Memorial United Methodist Church
121 E. Second Street, Clayton
Friday, October 30 | 11 AM until

Friday

Last Friday in Clayton: Halloween Edition

Downtown Clayton | Main Street & Surrounding Businesses

Last Friday in Clayton: Halloween Edition | Friday, October 30

It's Halloween Eve, and Downtown Clayton is getting weird! This month's Last Friday is packed with costumes, classic cars, live music, spooky pop-ups, good food, and a little nightmare fuel. Here's what's happening around downtown!

Crescendo | The Station

Cars & Costumes Street Fest

Crescendo is taking over Barbour Street for a Halloween street party featuring classic cars, local vendors, pumpkin painting, a costume contest, and live vinyl DJs from Oak City Soul. A little something for the car enthusiasts, costume lovers, and everyone in between!

Odd One Out

Halloween Pop-Ups | 6 PM

Odd One Out is getting in on the Last Friday fun with two special guests! Buttermilk Boutique will be popping up with their unique finds, while Four Track Records is bringing a pop-up record shop. Come dig through some vinyl, do a little shopping, and find something weird to take home.

Revival 1869

Halloween Party & Costume Contest | 10:30 PM

Revival 1869 is going all out for Halloween! The Violet Raven will be offering crystals and tarot readings, while RoadKill Reads brings its mobile horror bookshop from 6–9 PM. Stick around for the late-night costume contest at 10:30 PM, with prizes for Sexiest, Scariest, and Overall Favorite. Time to put that questionable costume decision to good use!

Deep River Brewing

Live Music, Pizza & BBQ | 2–10 PM

Cold beer, hot food, and live music! Deep River Brewing opens its taproom at 2 PM, with Fiori Pizza serving from 4–9 PM and Carolina Moe's BBQ firing things up from 5:30–9 PM. Chill E Mammoth takes the stage from 6:30–9:30 PM. Plenty of reasons to hang out for a while!

LaDiDa Wine Shop

Adults-Only Halloween Last Friday | 7–9:30 PM

Leave the kids at home and head to LaDiDa for a little grown-up Halloween fun! Sheesh will be playing live from 7–9:30 PM, and costumes are completely optional. Come dressed to impress or just show up for the wine and music. No judgment either way!

Heart2Hands Art Gallery

An Evening with Heidi-Lee Peach 

Take a break from the Halloween madness and enjoy some beautiful art! Heart2Hands welcomes artist Heidi-Lee Peach, who will be showing her plein-air paintings inspired by travels through Southern France, Giverny, and Edisto Island. Meet the artist, explore the work, and chat about commissions.

First Street Tavern

Live Music: Dawson Wright & Band | 7–10 PM

First Street Tavern opens at 3 PM and has Dawson Wright & Band bringing the live music later in the evening. They'll be playing outdoors from 7–10 PM, weather permitting. If Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, the party moves inside from 8–11 PM.

Main Street Community Garden | 439 E. Main St.

Movies in the Garden: I Saw the TV Glow | 8:30 PM

We're closing out our fall Movies in the Garden series with Jane Schoenbrun's surreal, neon-soaked coming-of-age horror film I Saw the TV Glow! When a teenager becomes obsessed with a mysterious late-night television show, the line between reality and fiction begins to unravel. Part horror movie, part existential nightmare, and a perfect way to spend Halloween Eve under the stars. Bring a chair or blanket, dress warm, and enjoy a little cinematic weirdness. Proceeds benefit the Main Street Community Garden!

Get Tickets

Saturday

Town Square | Downtown Clayton

Keys Only NC: Halloween Music Festival & Market | October 31

Looking for a little live music with your Halloween festivities? Keys Only NC is taking over Clayton Town Square for a FREE eight-hour music festival and spooky market! They'll have 25 local artists and handmade vendors, food trucks, games for the kids, and even an adults-only trick-or-treat game with chances to win some prizes. The live music lineup promises a little bit of everything, from punk rock and hip-hop to country and classic covers. Deep River Brewing will be on hand with local beers, too! Bring a lawn chair or blanket, round up the family, and spend Halloween hanging out downtown. Best of all, admission is completely FREE!

Find Out More from Keys Only NC

American Wildlife Refuge | 1000 McLemore Rd.

Owloween | 10 AM–3 PM

Whooooo's ready for Halloween? American Wildlife Refuge is hosting its annual OWLOWEEN fundraiser, and this one sounds like a hoot! Get up close with some incredible feathered friends, including owls, hawks, falcons, and vultures, while enjoying free face painting, trick-or-treating, tarot and palm readings, and live entertainment featuring acrobatics, slacklining, flow arts, and fire spinning! There will also be guided tours with a licensed falconer, local artists, and vendors. Admission is completely FREE, but donations are strongly encouraged to support the volunteer-run refuge and its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured birds of prey. Brinmg soe cash, bring the kids, and help support a pretty amazing local organization!

Learn More

Elixir VI | 425 E. Main St.

Bruja Brunch: A Halloween Gathering of Witches | 12 PM

Calling all witches, brujas, and assorted magical weirdos! Elixir VI and Blackthorn & Briar Apothecary are hosting their first-ever Bruja Brunch this Halloween, and you're invited to join the coven! The festivities kick off at noon at Elixir VI with brunch, cocktails, and a little witchy socializing before everyone grabs their broomsticks (figuratively, we assume) for a group walk through Downtown Clayton to Blackthorn & Briar Apothecary. There, the magic continues with shopping, festivities, and tarot readings from Hawkwynd. Come dressed as your favorite interpretation of a witch, whether that's classic pointy-hat-and-broomstick or something a little more Practical Magic. Grab your coven and help make this a new Halloween tradition!

Learn More

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