JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration gave the order Monday to shutdown use of a technology that has grown to be seemingly everywhere on state roads. The Florida Department of Transportation issued a memo revoking all approved permits for Automatic License Plate Reader Cameras (ALPR’s) in the right-of-ways on the state highway system.
FDOT also ordered local law enforcement agencies to remove the cameras from state highways within 30 days.
The cameras, made by Flock Safety and some other companies, have been drawing the ire of many who cite privacy concerns.
Amid the growing backlash, law enforcement agencies have praised the omnipresent camaras use in aiding them in tracking down bad guys, and finding lost kids, or adults with dementia.
After multiple reports of abuse by law enforcement in Florida and around the country, lawmakers are now questioning the usage of the cameras and the stockpile of data they create.
“What we don’t want in the state of Florida is to have a digital AI surveillance state where everything we’re doing is being tracked at all times,” DeSantis said during a news conference Monday in Jacksonville.
“There are obviously times where I think its probably been useful, but where is this data going?” DeSantis said. “They claim the companies aren’t going to misuse it, but no one’s watching that. ... you really can make a lot of money selling peoples’ data.”
Multiple sheriff’s around North Florida issued statements Monday following FDOT’s revocation memo. Here’s a county-by-county list of what the agencies are saying.
Baker County
As Sheriff of Baker County, I have a responsibility to listen to the concerns of the citizens I serve and to ensure that the tools and technology used by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office are used in a manner that maintains the confidence and trust of our community.
License Plate Reader (LPR) technology has been a very valuable law enforcement tool for the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. This technology has assisted our deputies and investigators in locating wanted persons, identifying vehicles associated with criminal activity, recovering stolen property, and providing investigative leads that have helped us solve cases and protect our citizens.
However, I also recognize the concerns that have been expressed regarding the use of this technology. With the decision made at the state level concerning LPR systems and the public concerns surrounding their use, I have determined that the Baker County Sheriff’s Office will discontinue the use of LPR technology at this time.
While technology can provide law enforcement with valuable resources, maintaining the trust of the people we serve is equally important. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office will continue to evaluate the tools we use and ensure that our law enforcement practices remain consistent with the law, our responsibilities as public servants, and the expectations of our community.
I want the citizens of Baker County to know that this decision does not change our commitment to public safety. As your Sheriff, I remain committed to doing what is necessary to keep Baker County safe while protecting the rights, privacy, and trust of our citizens.
The men and women of the Baker County Sheriff’s Office will continue to use every lawful and appropriate resource available to prevent crime, apprehend offenders, solve cases, and protect our families and our community.
Sheriff Scotty Rhoden
Baker County Sheriff’s Office
Bradford County
From Sheriff Gordon Smith
Bradford County Sheriff’s Office
Folks,
As your Sheriff, I work for the people of Bradford County. That means I listen when you raise concerns, and it means I follow the law.
The Florida Department of Transportation has revoked the permits that allowed law enforcement to use license plate readers on state roads.
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office will comply with that directive, no exceptions.
I am also directing our office to stop using LPR technology anywhere in Bradford County, effective immediately.
I want to be straight with you. These systems have helped us work cases and find people who needed to be found. They are a useful tool. But the state has made its decision, and I have heard from people in our community who are uneasy about this technology. Given both of those things, I believe the right call right now is to take them down.
That does not change our job. We will keep doing everything we lawfully can to stop crime, solve cases, and look after the people who live here. Bradford County is home. We will keep treating it that way.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Gordon Smith
Bradford County Sheriff’s Office
Clay County
In response to the memo issued by the Florida Department of Transportation, all License Plate Readers will be removed from Clay County roadways.
The decision comes following the FDOT memo and continuing discussions surrounding the use of License Plate Readers, related technological advancements and their use by law enforcement.
Since 2018, License Plate Readers have been proven to be a valuable crime-fighting tool for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. In the past year alone, License Plate Readers have helped our agency find a missing 76-year-old woman from South Carolina, whose vehicle was located in Middleburg by an ALPR; identify and locate a homicide suspect in a deadly stabbing; and safely find a 10-year-old who was taken in a child custody interference case. In that case, the vehicle was located and stopped near the Florida-Alabama state line, leading to three arrests, among many other success stories.
“As always, our commitment to fostering a safe community where families and businesses can thrive remains our top priority,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said. “This decision does not hinder, nor sway, our efforts to prevent and fight crime, solve cases, hold offenders accountable and maintain public trust.”
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office will continue to adhere to state guidelines and looks forward to continuing conversations regarding technology in law enforcement.
Duval County
“As the elected Sheriff of Duval County, it is my responsibility to listen to the concerns of our citizens and act accordingly.
Today, the Florida Department of Transportation announced the revocation of the permits and licenses it provided to law enforcement agencies for the use of license plate reader (LPR) technology on state roads. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will fully comply with FDOT’s directive.
Additionally, at my direction, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will discontinue the use of LPR technology throughout Duval County effective immediately.
LPR technology has proven to be an enormously valuable investigative tool, assisting our agency in solving serious crimes and locating missing and vulnerable individuals. 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 Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office remains fully committed to providing the highest level of public safety services to the people of Jacksonville. We will continue to use every tool, resource, and technology available to prevent crime, solve cases, and protect our community." - Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters
Nassau County
On Monday, August 31, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) revoked existing permits for license plate reader (LPR) cameras installed by local law enforcement agencies within the right-of-way of state highways. FDOT has directed agencies to remove these devices within 30 days.
In response, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office will adhere to FDOT’s memorandum. The directive applies to 34 Flock Safety cameras operated by NCSO throughout Nassau County.
Since implementing this technology, LPRs have proven to be a valuable tool in the fight against crime and have assisted law enforcement agencies in investigations across the country.
“As technology continues to evolve, we welcome the opportunity to work with our local and state partners to ensure these tools are used appropriately, responsibly, and as intended to assist in solving serious crimes, locating missing or endangered persons, and recovering stolen property while also protecting the rights and privacy of our citizens,” Sheriff Bill Leeper stated.
While NCSO will comply with FDOT’s directive, we remain committed to utilizing technology and other resources that help protect our community and support our deputies in their work.
Putnam County
At this time, Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach has directed automated license plate reader cameras to be disconnected immediately and removed within 30 days. In total the sheriff’s office had 18 cameras on major roadways in Putnam County.
“Over the past several weeks, legitimate questions have continued to emerge regarding privacy, data sharing, governmental oversight and the future regulation of this technology,” DeLoach said. “I believe the responsible course is to discontinue our program and cancel our contract at this time.”
The decision follows continuing developments surrounding the use of automated license plate recognition systems in Florida, as well as a rapidly evolving statewide and national discussion concerning privacy, data sharing and the appropriate limits of government use of this technology.
“This was not a decision I made lightly. ALPR technology has proven to be a valuable law-enforcement tool, but I have become increasingly concerned that the technology is advancing faster than the laws and regulations governing its use. Until that framework catches up and provides clearer, more consistent safeguards for both public safety and individual privacy, I believe discontinuing the program is the most responsible course for our agency and the community we serve.” DeLoach said.
ALPRs were first placed in Putnam County in 2022 and have helped successfully locate Alzheimer’s and those with early stages of dementia who have become disoriented while on the road, they have also helped us track and arrest murder suspects, as well as earlier this year helped the sheriff’s office and FBI locate a teenage victim of human trafficking from another state.
“Automated license plate readers are an effective law-enforcement tool, and I’ve seen firsthand how they can help us locate dangerous offenders, recover stolen vehicles, kidnapping victims, and solve serious crimes. I also believe, however, that effective law enforcement requires the trust and confidence of the people we serve,” DeLoach said.
At the sheriff’s office extensive protocols were in place to ensure proper usage of ALPRs including a case number associated with use and quarterly audits of information being accessed. However, camera usage by other law enforcement agencies and private residents have opened up situations of misuse nationwide.
“I remain confident that our deputies used this technology lawfully, responsibly and in accordance with some of the strongest safeguards we could put in place. This decision is not an indictment of their work, nor does it mean the technology has no legitimate law-enforcement value. It simply means that when the rules, public expectations and regulatory environment surrounding a technology are changing this rapidly, we should be willing to reevaluate whether continuing to use it is in the best interest of our community,” DeLoach said.
Therefore, until there is further direction and laws created by the state legislature giving law enforcement parameters and guidance, the sheriff’s office is discontinuing use of the cameras and the accompanying technology.
“Public safety matters. So does individual liberty. Neither should be treated casually,” DeLoach said.
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