Brentwood Revokes Permit for Private HOA Surveillance Cameras

The Government of Brentwood is revoking an encroachment permit and ordering the removal of Flock surveillance cameras installed on public streets by the Shadow Lakes Homeowners Association. City officials admitted the permit was issued in error because they believed the equipment was part of the Brentwood Police Department's existing surveillance program.

The installation of the automated license plate readers sparked privacy concerns among local residents, who questioned the legality of a private organization collecting data on public roads. In response, the Shadow Lakes Homeowners Association defended the system as a cost-effective security measure to combat property theft, noting it replaced roving security patrols that cost 300,000 dollars annually.

Acting City Manager Terrence Davis stated that Flock Safety must remove the equipment and restore the public right-of-way once the permit is officially revoked. The city is now reviewing all other permit records to ensure no other private entities have installed similar surveillance systems on public property.