What Martinez’s Self‑Filmed Camera Removal Shows About Challenging License‑Plate Surveillance

On Sept 2, Jevon Martinez, a 44‑year‑old resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, recorded himself loading ten Flock Safety camera systems into his pickup truck. In the video he explained that he was taking the gear back because the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office had ended its contract with the company.

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen had recently terminated all three county contracts with Flock Safety, citing worries about privacy and how the data were shared. Allen added that he still believes the underlying automated license‑plate reader technology is useful and that the county will consider other vendors.

Authorities estimate the ten removed systems were worth about $16,500. Only two of those units belonged to the sheriff’s office; the remaining eight were owned and operated by local neighborhood associations.

Deputies stopped Martinez outside the sheriff’s office, placed him in handcuffs, and charged him with attempted larceny of property valued over $2,500 and with interference with communications.

Experts advise residents to use public‑record requests, attend council meetings, and pressure elected officials to review or end surveillance contracts, offering a legal path to protect privacy without risking criminal charges.

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