Local News
Knox County, TN Cameras Shut Down Under Emergency Ordinance
The sheriff's office says fixed license plate readers are being uninstalled or access has been suspended.
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-06T16:40:50.086Z
Knox County, TN – Fixed automated license plate readers are being shut down across Knox County following an emergency ordinance approved by county officials, according to the sheriff's office .
According to the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the agency has stopped purchasing, leasing, acquiring, installing, operating and maintaining all fixed automated license plate reader systems, commonly known as ALPRs, to comply with the Knox County Commission's emergency ordinance.
The sheriff's office said Tuesday that no contracts or agreements involving fixed ALPRs are being renewed or extended.
Compliance includes fixed cameras being uninstalled or having access suspended on both county and state roads, according to the agency.
License plate reader systems are used by law enforcement to capture vehicle plate information that can assist investigators with locating vehicles and developing leads in criminal cases.
The sheriff's office defended the technology's value to law enforcement while acknowledging the county's concerns about oversight.
The agency said it has firsthand knowledge of the benefits the systems provide officers but also recognizes the importance of transparency and accountability to Knox County residents.
Officials said they plan to provide more detailed information in the future about law enforcement tools used by the department and data showing their effectiveness.
The sheriff's office also said it expects to continue working with Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson, the Knox County Commission and the Law Director's Office to ensure its operations follow requirements established under the Knox County Charter.
The announcement did not specify how many fixed ALPR cameras are affected by the ordinance.