Florida is ordering automated license plate reader cameras off its state highways, but Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters has offered an unusual response to the company behind the technology. As the state moves to remove Flock Safety cameras from the Florida highway system, Waters said the technology had been an “enormously valuable” investigative tool for his department. However, he also said concerns raised by residents, along with the state’s decision, meant it was time to stop using the technology across Duval County.The Florida Department of Transportation issued a memo revoking permits for automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, on roads that are part of the state highway system. The department said the cameras must be removed within 30 days. The decision comes as Flock Safety faces growing criticism over how its cameras collect and use license plate data.
Florida Flock Safety cameras face removal after privacy and accuracy concerns
Flock cameras are used in thousands of communities across the US. The cameras are generally placed along roads or at intersections, where they capture license plates and other vehicle information.Police departments use the data to help investigate crimes, locate vehicles and find missing or vulnerable people. But the technology has also attracted concerns about privacy and surveillance. Critics have questioned how much information is collected, how long it is stored and who can access it.There have also been concerns about the accuracy of the cameras.An investigation by Business Insider in March identified a dozen cases in which Flock cameras misread license plates or officers failed to properly verify alerts. Those errors resulted in several cases where people who had not committed crimes were stopped or detained by police.In July, Business Insider reported that Flock cameras in Roseville, California, had misread license plates in 71% of alerts sent to police during 2023 and 2024.Residents in different parts of the US have pushed for the cameras to be removed. In some places, people have also vandalized cameras by covering them with trash bags or paint. Jacksonville sheriff says Flock cameras were valuable, but community concerns changed the decisionJacksonville is now among the Florida communities moving away from the technology. Following the Florida Department of Transportation’s decision, Sheriff T.K. Waters said the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office would discontinue the use of license plate readers throughout Duval County.Waters still praised the technology’s usefulness.“LPR technology has proven to be an enormously valuable investigative tool, assisting our agency in solving serious crimes and locating missing and vulnerable individuals,” Waters said.But he added that the state decision and concerns from residents had changed the situation.“However, given the decision made at the state level and the concerns expressed by members of our community, I have determined that discontinuing the use of this technology is the appropriate course of action at this time.”The decision means Jacksonville will stop using the license plate reader technology even though its sheriff says it had helped investigators.
Other Florida sheriff’s offices are also ending Flock camera use
Jacksonville is not alone. Sheriff’s offices in Franklin County, Liberty County and Putnam County have also said they will discontinue the use of Flock cameras following the state’s decision.They are joining a growing number of communities that have ended their relationship with Flock Safety. Last week, Tempe, Arizona, announced that it would shut down its network of 33 Flock cameras. The city cited concerns about possible misuse and the need to maintain public trust.The Los Angeles Police Department also allowed its Flock contract to expire in July. Flock Safety did not respond to a request for comment on the latest developments.
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