News

Ask Matt … about surveillance cameras, ‘mountain fountain’ status

By MATT MATTESON, Published: May 7, 2026

Q. What are all those black poles along roadsides that are showing up all around the county? They look like they have cameras under the solar panels.

Correct. They are cameras — technically, ALPRs.

Automated License Plate Readers employ the same technology as tollbooth cameras but they do more. The devices capture a vehicle’s location, date and time. They can also record its make, model and color plus they work in rain or darkness. The information is stored in a national database searchable by law enforcement agencies who participate. So, hypothetically, if a girl steals a car in Miami and drives through town here, she might end up as a guest our soon-to-be upgraded jail!

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office bought 12 cameras in 2025 from the Flock Safety company for $44,150 and positioned them in high traffic areas. Just last year, the Sheriff’s Office used the camera’s technology to help seize, recover or apprehend $140,000 in assets. In addition, they made 31 arrests, recovered 23 stolen vehicles and found two missing persons.

“Flock cameras have proven to be a valuable tool that works around-the-clock for the community,” Sheriff Lowell Griffin said in a statement. For context, I found that the average salary for a law enforcement officer in our state is $58,000.

Hendersonville has a dozen cameras that cost $45,000 per year to maintain.

“ALPRs are the best law enforcement technology since the two-way radio,” Police Chief Blair Myhand said. “We develop and close cases in minutes and hours rather than days and weeks.” Myhand stressed the importance of ethical and responsible use of ALPR technology.

Assistant Police Chief Michael Capps of Laurel Park said his town just got the Flock system installed at four locations earlier this year.

“The cameras already helped us find a missing person and track down a hit and run,” he said.

The Fletcher Police Department has had the Flock Safety LPR camera system since last fall. “It has led to an increase in solving crimes and identifying individuals responsible for crime within the town limits,” Capt. Brian Fulmer said. “The system has also been helpful in locating missing or endangered individuals.”

An online search for “Flock Safety Camera Map” lists two websites. “DeFlock” has a map that pinpoints the exact location of 33 cameras throughout Henderson County. If one drills down on the camera location, more information is posted, including the manufacturer, model, coordinates and a photo.

Want to know which agencies have roadside, body-worn or drone cameras? The University of Nevada-Reno has a website named Atlas of Surveillance that makes all that public. They also track who is using face-recognition (not used here). Atlas’s mission is to create a resource for journalists, academics and the public to see how technologies are spreading across the country.

Got a funky bumper sticker? Flock cameras can read those too. Yes, privacy is out the window on the highways and byways today and there has been some blow-back. Some cities including Hillsborough, N.C., have opted out of the ALPR program. “The ACLU of North Carolina has long opposed the unregulated, networked mass surveillance posed by ALPRs,” a quick Google AI search told me.

All four law enforcement agencies in Henderson County that use Flock cameras cite strict controls on the use of system data and the respect for privacy. North Carolina law restricts the use of license plate reader data to criminal investigations and prosecutions and also requires data to be purged after 90 days.

Our county sheriff’s office says data the ALPR cameras capture cannot be used for routine enforcement of traffic violations.

After the presumed abduction of Nancy Guthrie from her home in Arizona earlier this year, Tucson area law enforcement agencies quickly employed license plate reader technology. Although the search was ultimately unsuccessful, investigators reviewed data from some 200 ALPRs to track vehicle movements and try to identify a possible suspect.

Q. There are some large holes in the copper part of the Mountain Fountain in downtown Hendersonville. Does the city have plans to fix the fountain? It has not been turned on this season.

City officials said that they are considering options, reviewing costs and finalizing a design contract. There may be some significant changes — perhaps even a simpler design. The rock and copper structure titled “Mountain Memories” has been the subject of much controversy since it was installed 13 years ago on North Main Street at 6th Avenue at a cost of $183,000. It’s been called the “mountain molar” among other unflattering names.

Q. The first half mile of the Ecusta Trail needs some visual improvement. Does the city of Hendersonville have any plans to landscape that section?

Yes. Actually, the city recently applied for a grant to make some big street improvements for this three-block section and beyond. The urban section, which has painted bike lanes, begins at the Visitors Center, runs down South Main Street past Wells Fargo Bank, turns right at AutoZone and follows the old rail bed westward. Plans include trees, landscaping, permeable pavers and other features. Grant awards will be announced in June.

Q. What are they building in Mills River across from the Elementary School on Banner Farm Road?

According to town officials, two large warehousing and distribution buildings totaling 223,000 square feet are proposed. The developer is also making some off-site sidewalk improvements. The site is zoned light industrial.

Q. Why are they building another carwash on Chimney Rock Road just a few hundred yards from Mountain Express Car Wash?

I don’t have an answer other than why did Home Depot build a hardware store just a timber axe throw from Lowes, why do we have more than a dozen pharmacies and an auto parts shop every few blocks on major commercial arteries? Tidal Wave Auto Spa, the newest carwash, is going up where Mountain Farm Credit once stood. The “Spa” was founded in Georgia 27 years ago and now has over 300 locations including one in Brevard. It is also puzzling that they chose the Walmart area location since three car washes west of Main Street have or will be removed due to road and building projects. Kinda leaves a car wash, um, vacuum there.

Q. Along with maybe a dozen South Carolina personal injury lawyers, along comes Morgan & Morgan with a television ad blitz. Are they licensed to practice in North Carolina? 

Yes. Their closest office is in Greenville, S.C., but they have a presence in Raleigh and Charlotte. The Orlando-based firm lists 52 different kinds of legal services with personal injury being just one. “As we expand, our goal remains the same, to ensure every North Carolinian has access to a dedicated advocate in their corner,” Morgan & Morgan partner Dan Morgan said. If you have not figured this out by now, personal injury law is a big business. Stay vigilant behind the wheel!