The Volusia Sheriff's Office will no longer be using license plate readers, Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced on Monday. The decision comes as other municipalities take similar steps and Flock cameras receive intense scrutiny nationwide.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also sent out a memo on Monday revoking permits for all automated license plate readers on roads maintained by the state. Local governments will have 30 days to remove these readers, the memo states.
In his announcement of the VSO's decision, Sheriff Chitwood laid out a case for the utility of readers for public safety in Volusia County. "I’m sure there are criminals who will be celebrating this post along with the critics," he wrote.
"This is not a decision I take lightly," Chitwood said to begin his announcement. "LPRs have helped us solve violent crimes, saved lives, found missing people, and recovered stolen property." He also claims the readers assisted in the arrest of a home invader who shot two people in Deltona.
"We have arrested murderers, armed robbers, burglars, road-rage shooters, hit-and-run drivers, sex offenders and child predators, all thanks to LPR data," Chitwood continued. "They helped us recover missing and endangered children, seniors, even stolen horses before they could be harmed.
The City of Edgewater will also be taking similar steps to move away from Flock cameras. "I believe this is a step in the right direction for protecting the privacy and constitutional rights of our residents," said Mayor Diezel DePew. "After hearing concerns from our constituents, we are listening. As we explore other public safety solutions for areas such as our parks, protecting both public safety and individual privacy must remain a priority."
