JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville mother is speaking out after multiple Northeast Florida law enforcement agencies were forced to end their use of license plate readers following a state mandate. She says the decision could cost lives.
The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits and licenses allowing law enforcement agencies to use LPRs on state roads, citing an exponential increase in Flock cameras, public outcry and misuse. The cameras are expected to be removed within 30 days.
A mother’s plea
Latasha Hobbs says if LPRs had been in place years ago, whoever is responsible for killing her son might have been found.
“I’m really disappointed, and it happened so quickly,” Hobbs said. “I’m really hoping that this is not a permanent decision.”
Hobbs’ son Maurice, an up-and-coming rapper, was murdered in 2017 just days after his 18th birthday. The case remains unsolved.
Latasha Hobbs believes a Flock camera could have been used in the investigation to provide her family with closure.
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“Unfortunately, the cameras were not up during the time that tragedy knocked at my front door,” Hobbs said. “But they were here and look at the results — because of the cameras, 15 murders, over 100 shootings, 172 people were found and returned home safely. That means something. Those are human beings.”
Hobbs says she understands privacy concerns but will continue to advocate for Flock cameras.
“For anyone abusing this technology — stiff penalties, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, put in safeguards, educate the constituents, the citizens of Florida, and let’s move forward,” she said. “It’s been proven to help. It helps solve crimes. It’s important.
“I’m hoping that once stronger safeguards are in place, there’s the possibility that the cameras will be put back up,” she added.
Community divided
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the cameras have helped with cases involving murders and kidnappings, but not everyone supports their use.
Jim Cash, a former CDL driver, says the cameras belong on the road, but with caution.
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“I think that’s where they should be,” Cash said. “I’m a former CDL driver and the interstates are a blessing, but like anything else, there’s people who will abuse it.”
Driver Deven Merritt sees it differently.
“They already sit at every little stoplight and every little corner off the road anyway to try to catch us with anything — that’s happening five miles over the speed limit,” Merritt said. “So without the cameras, you know, it’s just invading our personal space.”
What’s next
Jacksonville City Council member Jimmy Peluso, who recently held a community meeting to address Flock concerns, says even after the FDOT directive, he still wants safeguards in place for future surveillance technology and is looking into possible legislation.
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