ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Belle Isle police are evaluating alternatives to license plate readers after ending the use of license plate readers, as communities in Florida and across the country reconsider automated surveillance technology.
Chief Travis Grimm said the department still wants to use technology to help officers investigate crimes and keep neighborhoods safe, but it is weighing other systems while considering data security, access, and cost.
“We’re going to have to find different avenues,” Grimm said. “Could be just regular surveillance cameras that are just constantly running. Those help.”
Grimm said Belle Isle is looking at what technology could provide officers with useful investigative tools while addressing concerns about how information is collected, stored, and accessed.
“You’re always looking at data breaches,” Grimm said. “You want to make sure that that’s always secure. Cost is going to be the big thing, especially smaller agencies like ourselves.”
Belle Isle is not alone in reconsidering the technology.
Communities across the country have ended contracts with Flock, while some are looking at other companies and systems with similar capabilities.
The Florida Department of Transportation recently ordered automated license plate readers on state highways to be removed, according to Reuters.
Grimm said no final decision has been made on what could replace the department’s former license plate reader system. He said Belle Isle police are continuing to work with city leaders while reviewing the cost and capabilities of different options.
“It’s our job as a police department to constantly look at what’s going to help us fight crime,” Grimm said. “Is it more officers, better vehicles, more equipment, better technology through computers? We will never stop looking for those advances because the community, council and city manager want it.”