CENTRAL FLORIDA, Fla. — Several more Central Florida law enforcement agencies are suspending or changing their use of automated license plate readers following new direction from the state.
The announcements from police departments in Groveland, Lady Lake and Eustis come as agencies across Florida respond to the state’s decision involving automated license plate reader cameras, also known as ALPRs.
The cameras automatically capture license plate information as vehicles pass and can alert law enforcement when a vehicle is connected to a stolen-car report, wanted person or other investigation.
Departments have defended the technology as a valuable investigative tool, while concerns over privacy, data access and oversight have increasingly drawn scrutiny.
Groveland suspends all Flock Safety use
The Groveland Police Department said it has suspended the use of all Flock Safety cameras in the city effective immediately.
The department said all personnel have also had their access to the Flock Safety system suspended.
Groveland had been using two cameras positioned at the eastern and western entrances to the city along State Road 50.
Police said the technology has helped officers locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles connected to criminal investigations and support other public-safety efforts.
Acting Police Chief Armando Loney said the department made the decision “out of an abundance of caution” while concerns involving oversight and governance of the technology are evaluated.
“The safety of our community remains our highest priority but maintaining public confidence in the way law enforcement utilizes technology is equally important,” the department said.
Groveland police said they will rely on traditional investigative methods and other resources while the suspension remains in place.
Lady Lake says it is disappointed to lose the technology
Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt said his department will also suspend its license plate reader program in response to the state’s decision.
Hunt said the department is disappointed to lose a tool that officers have used to locate stolen vehicles and wanted people, develop investigative leads and help search for missing or endangered people.
The chief specifically pointed to searches for elderly residents, where quickly identifying or locating a vehicle can become an important part of finding someone safely.
Hunt also acknowledged concerns surrounding privacy, data usage and the appropriate role of license plate reader technology.
“Those concerns deserve to be heard and understood,” Hunt said.
He said the department will continue working with local and state partners as it weighs public-safety benefits against safeguards and public trust.
Eustis says it will comply with state guidance
The Eustis Police Department also said it will comply with the state’s decision and any plans or guidelines established by Florida officials.
Eustis police called ALPRs a valuable resource that has helped officers and detectives solve cases and protect the community.
“While we recognize the benefits ALPRs have provided, we respect the state’s decision and will continue to follow its direction and established guidelines,” the department said.
The agency said its commitment to public safety will remain unchanged despite losing access to the technology.
The three announcements add to a growing list of Florida law enforcement agencies responding to the state action involving license plate readers.
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