Azalea Privacy Alliance logo Azalea Privacy Alliance

THOMASTON & UPSON COUNTY, GEORGIA

Protecting Georgians from unchecked government surveillance.

We are a coalition of concerned citizens working to bring transparency, accountability, and reasonable limits to government use of mass surveillance technology — starting with AI-powered license plate readers.

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THE PROBLEM

Surveillance without oversight.

Across Georgia and the country, law enforcement agencies have installed networks of AI-powered cameras — often known by the brand name "Flock" — on public streets. These Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) don't just watch for suspected criminals. They record every vehicle that passes: make, model, color, license plate, bumper stickers, and the exact time and location — regardless of whether the driver is suspected of anything at all.

This data doesn't stay local. It feeds into a searchable, centralized network that law enforcement agencies across the country can access.

WHY IT MATTERS

Abuse isn't hypothetical — it's documented.

Because this system operates with little regulation and limited oversight, it has already been misused. Officers in multiple states — including here in Georgia — have been accused or convicted of using these databases to illegally track romantic partners, family members, and other private individuals who were never suspected of any crime.

When a surveillance system this powerful operates without meaningful checks, abuse isn't a hypothetical risk — it's a documented pattern.

WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR

Not removal. Accountability.

The Azalea Privacy Alliance is not asking for these systems to disappear overnight. We recognize that ALPR technology is already deployed across much of the state. What we're demanding is accountability.

  • TransparencyClear public disclosure of how camera data is collected, stored, shared, and used.
  • Access controlsStrict limits on who can query the database, and for what purposes.
  • Audit trailsMandatory logging and regular review of every search performed.
  • AccountabilityReal consequences for officers who misuse the system — including access used to track romantic partners, family members, or acquaintances.
  • Retention limitsClear rules on how long data is kept and when it must be deleted.

TAKE ACTION & LEARN MORE

Read the record. Then sign on.

Our Mission Statement

The Azalea Privacy Alliance's founding statement on mass surveillance and government accountability.

Read the PDF →

The September 11 Letter

A detailed proposal for regulating Flock camera access — including an independent ombudsman, audit requirements, and public signage.

Read the PDF →

The Petition

Support our call for transparency and accountability from the City of Thomaston and Upson County Board of Commissioners.

Download the PDF →

Chatrie v. United States

The 2026 Supreme Court ruling holding that geofence warrants — the same kind of dragnet search Flock enables — are subject to the Fourth Amendment.

Read the case →

Prefer to sign online? Add your name below and we'll deliver it straight to the City Council and Board of Commissioners.

Your information is used only to verify and deliver signatures to local officials — it is never sold or shared.

GET INVOLVED

Surveillance oversight isn't partisan.

It's about making sure the government's power is matched by real accountability. Join us.

Sign up for updates

Get the latest on the petition, hearings, and how the Alliance's asks are progressing.

Contact your representative

Tell the City Council, Board of Commissioners, and state legislators directly that you support these safeguards. Full contact list below.

Contact us

Questions about the petition, the letters, or joining the Alliance.

untrackedandfree@gmail.com

City of Thomaston — Mayor & Council

Upson County Board of Commissioners

State Legislators

Contact information current as of publication. Verify against upsoncountyga.org and cityofthomaston.com before major outreach.