PORT ST. LUCIE – Following an edict put out by the state Department of Transportation revoking permits for Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, Port St. Lucie Police has put “an operational pause on the use of all” ALPR technology, including Flock and Axon systems, the department announced on Sept. 2.

On Aug. 31, FDOT issued a memorandum revoking permits for ALPR systems located within state highway rights of-way and requiring affected equipment to be removed within 30 days.

Port St. Lucie Police will remove the seven cameras located within DOT right-of-ways in compliance with the directive, Chief Leo Niemczyk said in a press release.

During this pause, ALPR access will be limited exclusively to such circumstances involving an immediate threat to human life, such as a missing or endangered child; an endangered vulnerable adult; a homicide investigation involving an immediate threat; or another circumstance where access to ALPR information may help prevent the loss of life or threat of great bodily harm.

Every request to access ALPR technology during the operational pause will require prior approval and authorization from the chief.

Since 2022, auto burglaries in Port St. Lucie decreased by 17 percent, while ALPR technology has provided investigators with an additional tool to help protect the community, according to the press release.

“This is a delicate balance,” Niemczyk said in the release. “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.”

The police department will continue to monitor developments at the state level and review any additional guidance as it becomes available, Niemczyk noted in the press release.

He also is establishing a temporary department policy governing ALPR access and use, which will be made available to the public, he said.