St. Lucie County, FL – Florida officials are investigating at least 14 license plate reader cameras that were installed without permits in St. Lucie County.
County personnel discovered the automated cameras amid a statewide review of devices placed along public roads.
Local officials said they had not determined who owns or operates the 14 cameras. County employees know how to disable the equipment, but commissioners plan to monitor the devices to see whether an individual, company or law enforcement agency claims them.
The discovery follows an order from the Florida Department of Transportation requiring Flock Safety cameras and other automated license plate readers to be removed from state-managed roads.
FDOT revoked permits that previously allowed law enforcement agencies to install the devices within state highway rights of way. Agencies have until Sept. 30 to remove affected cameras. State officials said any equipment remaining after the deadline could be removed by the department.
Automatic license plate readers photograph passing vehicles and use software to record plate numbers and vehicle characteristics. Police agencies use the systems to search for stolen vehicles, locate missing or endangered people and identify cars connected to criminal investigations.
Several Central Florida cities and counties have deactivated their license plate reader systems following the state directive. Other agencies have said they will continue using cameras on locally managed roads because those locations are not covered by FDOT’s order.
Officials did not announce any arrests or criminal charges connected to the cameras found in St. Lucie County. Authorities also had not determined when the devices were installed, how long they operated or what vehicle information they collected.