TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department said it will remove 17 automated license plate readers within city limits that are located on state highways.
In a statement, acting Chief Brett Owen said the readers are an important tool in solving various cases.
“We will continue to evaluate new technologies with our ongoing focus on community trust, strict oversight, and transparency, ensuring Tampa remains one of the safest and most collaborative cities in the nation,” Owen said.
The Tampa Police Department also said it has measures in place to ensure the technology is not misused by any member of the agency.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it has already begun the process of removing license plate readers located along state highways as well.