TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A controversial surveillance technology is taking center stage across the nation right now, but also in the Big Bend.<\/p>\n
Commissioners and residents discussed during a Leon County commission meeting on Tuesday where the line should be drawn between public safety and privacy. <\/p>\n
Leon County Commissioners eventually rejected grant funding for an expansion of Flock license plate readers.<\/p>\n
Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban said the county decided to hold off on approving just a portion of a $1.6 million grant for the Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office (LCSO) while they gather more insight. <\/p>\n
More news out of the Big Bend:<\/p>\n
The portion of the grant meant for the cameras totaled around $400,000 through LCSO for financial oversight, which was supposed to go toward expanding Flock camera license plate readers for Wakulla, Jefferson, Liberty and Taylor counties. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are looking at seeing, what we can and can\u2019t do,\u201d Caban said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFolks don\u2019t need to really feel like they\u2019re being watched everywhere that they are going. And to those who support the cameras, I just want to let them know, hey, we hear you too. We\u2019re going to find a good balance that protects law enforcement, makes people feel safe. However, it\u2019s my opinion that these cameras are an invasion of privacy.\u201d<\/p>\n
This comes after residents voiced concerns for two hours this week about privacy and safety, raising questions about data storage. <\/p>\n
LCCO released a statement to provide insight into the purpose of Flock cameras. <\/p>\n
Law enforcement uses license plate readers as an investigative and public safety tool. They can help locate stolen vehicles, wanted persons, missing persons, vehicles connected to serious crimes, Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, and other active investigations. They are not used to issue citations. Access is limited to authorized and trained law enforcement personnel. Users must have a valid law enforcement reason to search the system, and system activity is audited to help prevent misuse. The Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office does not support any electronic monitoring inappropriately compromises the privacy of citizens.<\/p>\n
Caban says the county wanted to pause on moving forward until it could determine what the regulation would look like. <\/p>\n
Tuesday\u2019s decision does not remove cameras, but simply tables grant money to expand Flock cameras in areas outside of Leon County. <\/p>\n
Tune in to Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the full story. This article will also be updated this evening with all the details.<\/p>\n
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