JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Northeast Florida law enforcement agencies are required by the Florida Department of Transportation to remove all Flock cameras and license plate readers by Wednesday, with local agencies taking different steps to meet the directive.
Some agencies are working with the vendor to physically remove the cameras, while others — including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office — have covered them while awaiting removal.
“We covered them. They’re covered,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said. “I’m not going to say Flock cameras. I’m going to say LPRs. They’re license plate readers.”
Waters also questioned why license plate readers remain in use at toll lanes. State officials have said those readers are different from the cameras targeted by the directive, which was intended to address concerns about law enforcement surveillance.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said law enforcement must continue adapting as criminals use increasingly sophisticated technology.
“I understand that people have concerns. I also believe that some concerns are being manufactured,” Cook said. “At the end of the day, bad guys have technology. They’re spoofing our phone numbers to commit crime. We have to use technology to fight crime.”
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said roughly 95% of its cameras had been taken down and that it was working with the vendor to remove the remaining 5%.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said it began using the cameras nine years ago and has solved several crimes with their help. The agency said it is 100% in compliance with FDOT’s directive.
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