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Message from Write‑In Candidate Pat Trevino for DeWitt County Judge
September 11, 2026
As County Judge, my responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and ensure that every action taken by county government respects the rights and privacy of the people we serve. Recent independent ALPR mapping indicates that multiple Flock Safety cameras and other license‑plate readers may be operating within DeWitt County. However, no record in Commissioners Court minutes reflects any public discussion, approval, or authorization of these systems.
Transparency in government is not optional. It is a fundamental requirement.
1. Comprehensive Review of Surveillance Technology
I will initiate a full review of all surveillance tools currently in use or previously deployed within DeWitt County. This includes:
- Contracts signed by the Sheriff’s Office
- Agreements with DPS, regional task forces, or other state agencies
- Technology purchases made without Commissioners Court approval
- Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Flock Safety or similar vendors
Every camera, data‑sharing agreement, and surveillance tool must be documented and accounted for.
2. Public Disclosure and Accountability
If surveillance technology is operating in the county, the public has the right to know:
- Who installed the equipment
- Who authorized its deployment
- Who can access collected data
- How long data is stored
- Whether the system was approved in an open meeting
Any technology implemented without public approval raises serious concerns.
3. Protection of Constitutional Rights
Government surveillance must never be implemented quietly or without public debate. Continuous monitoring of citizens is not a routine administrative action — it carries constitutional implications and must be handled with transparency, legal authority, and respect for civil liberties.
4. Restoring Proper Oversight
If surveillance tools were installed without Commissioners Court approval, I will:
- Place the matter on the agenda for open session
- Require a public explanation from the responsible agency
- Review compliance with Texas law and constitutional protections
- Consider halting or removing unauthorized systems
Government institutions must remain accountable to the people they serve.
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