Florida orders removal of Flock cameras from state highways
The Florida Department of Transportation is revoking permits for automated license plate readers on roads in the state highway system.
The Florida Department of Transportation has ordered the removal of Flock license plate readers from state highways, joining a growing number of jurisdictions that are ending their use of the cameras. The devices, which can be found in thousands of towns across the US, are used by law enforcement agencies to capture and store license plate data for investigations.
However, they have faced backlash due to data privacy concerns and high rates of misreading plates, leading to wrongful arrests. In Florida, the department has revoked permits for the devices, giving them 30 days to remove them from state highways. The decision comes after several sheriff's offices in the state announced they would discontinue the use of Flock cameras, citing community concerns and the risk of misuse.
The move follows other jurisdictions, such as Tempe, Arizona, and the Los Angeles Police Department, which have also ended their relationships with Flock.
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