In the peaceful and tight-knit community of Hartwell, Georgia, we've always prided ourselves on trust and neighborly spirit. Yet this spirit is being encroached upon by the installation of Flock Safety surveillance cameras, which are infringing upon our rights and privacy.

As residents, business owners, and tax-paying citizens of Hartwell and Hart County, we initially became aware of the deployment of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology through an announcement made by local officials. These cameras are able to record our every move and liaise with law enforcement on an unwarranted level. This constant monitoring feels like an invasion, breeding an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust among residents and visitors alike.

The data these cameras collect isn't just license plates—it's the comings and goings of people's personal lives. Consider the implications: a friend visiting every day could be logged as suspicious activity, or a business's clients could be inadvertently tracked, damaging trust and freedom.

Implementation of this technology often comes justified by increased safety measurements; however, statistics from documented studies indicate that reliance on surveillance does not necessarily result in reduced crime rates. Moreover, in many places, including communities similar to ours, the financial burden of maintaining such systems has been substantial, often exceeding the benefits.

We understand the importance of keeping Hartwell safe, but we believe there are less invasive, cost-effective methods to ensure security without subjecting residents and visitors to unwarranted surveillance. Strengthening community policing, increasing street lighting, and fostering community watch programs have proven effective in other areas and respect citizen privacy.

Our demand is clear: terminate all active contracts with Flock Safety, halt funding for further ALPR technological integration, and remove the existing cameras from our city immediately. By doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to a community built on trust and privacy, setting a precedent for how modern safety can coexist peacefully with individual rights.

Please join us in standing up for Hartwell by signing this petition. Your support can help us maintain our community's integrity and ensure that our voice is heard by local leaders.