Statement from Geoffrey Tahuahua on the Hays County Commissioners Court Decision to Terminate the Flock Camera Contract

Today, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted to terminate the County’s contract with Flock for its license plate recognition camera system. This decision wasn’t about public safety or protecting privacy — it was about politics. Judge Becerra and two commissioners sided with extreme voices on the far left, choosing political points over practical tools that keep our communities safe.

At previous Commissioners Court meetings, there was debate about banning Flock cameras — proven tools that help law enforcement track stolen vehicles, solve crimes, and keep neighborhoods safe. While some commissioners recognized their importance, Judge Becerra pushed for an outright ban — even going so far as to call police “bona fide stalkers” and dismiss their value.

Our community deserves better than extreme positions. Law enforcement needs modern tools to protect our neighborhoods, and citizens deserve to have their privacy respected. Those two priorities are not mutually exclusive — and responsible leaders should be working to strike a balanced solution, not using public safety as a political football.

I’ve worked closely with law enforcement and emergency management during times of crisis here in Hays County. I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is to equip our officers with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively. Technology like Flock cameras, when paired with strong oversight and clear policies, helps protect families and solve crimes.

Keeping Hays County safe requires cooperation, compromise, and common sense. Unfortunately, that’s not what we saw in Commissioners Court today. As County Judge, I would focus on solutions that balance public safety with civil liberties — not grandstanding to appease special interest groups.

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