Port St. Lucie police limiting use of license plate readers after state directive
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —
The Port St. Lucie Police Department has significantly limited the use of automated license plate reader technology after the Florida Department of Transportation issued a directive to remove certain cameras from state highway rights-of-way.
On Aug. 31, 2026, FDOT issued a memorandum revoking permits for license plate reader technology systems located within state highway rights-of-way and requiring affected equipment to be removed within 30 days. The PSLPD has seven cameras within FDOT rights-of-way that will be removed to comply with the directive.
Effective immediately, the department is placing an operational pause on the use of its remaining automated license plate reader technology. Access to automated license plate reader technology systems during this pause will be limited to exigent circumstances involving an immediate threat to human life, such as cases involving a missing or endangered child, an endangered vulnerable adult, a homicide investigation with an immediate threat, or other situations where automated license plate reader technology information could prevent loss of life or great bodily harm.
Every request to access automated license plate reader technology during the pause will require prior approval and authorization from Chief Leo Niemczyk.
The PSLPD highlighted the effectiveness of automated license plate reader technology as an investigative tool, noting its role in locating missing people, recovering stolen vehicles, identifying suspects, developing leads and solving crimes. Since 2022, auto burglaries in Port St. Lucie have decreased by 17%, with automated license plate reader technology providing investigators an additional resource to protect the community.
“This is a delicate balance. On one hand, we have a technology that has proven to be an important tool for our officers and investigators and has helped us protect people and solve crimes. On the other, we have a responsibility to listen to our community, respect the direction of our state leaders, and ensure our policies reflect the highest standards of trust, accountability and public safety. We are committed to finding that balance and doing what is right for the people we serve,” said Niemczyk.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro also sent out a press release on Tuesday updating their policy on the use of Automatic License Plate Reader Technology. Use of the technology will now require prior approval from the undersheriff and be limited to investigations involving forcible felonies and missing or endangered person investigations.
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