Oviedo to take closer look at Flock cameras amid privacy concerns
OVIEDO, Fla. —
The use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras will be the leading topic at the Oviedo City Council meeting Monday night.
The cameras are used throughout Seminole County and across the country, giving law enforcement another tool to investigate crimes. But their use has also raised concerns about privacy and potential misuse.
Oviedo police Chief Dale Coleman said Monday that safeguards are in place to protect residents’ privacy.
“I do believe that it’s good technology that can be used effectively without violating anyone’s rights,” Coleman said. “Most agencies that have come across an officer that is using it improperly has taken some pretty drastic actions, including termination and filing charges on them.”
Coleman said Oviedo police require officers to enter a case number before searching a license plate through the system. The department audits those searches each week to ensure the technology is being used appropriately.
He said the cameras have helped officers locate stolen vehicles and investigate crimes. Coleman also emphasized that the cameras are stationary and do not track people as they move around.
“It’s a very useful tool for law enforcement,” Coleman said. “If you live in the city of Oviedo, feel free to ask us questions. I think law enforcement will answer any questions or concerns.”
Coleman said the cameras capture an image of the back of a vehicle and use an algorithm to identify the license plate. A person must then verify the information before police take action.
The system does not use facial recognition, Coleman said.
“It basically captures the width of the lane,” he said.
He also said Oviedo’s cameras only send alerts for certain criminal activity and do not issue alerts for routine violations such as an expired vehicle registration.
The city council’s discussion is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at Oviedo City Hall. Council members raised concerns about the technology during a previous meeting.