This is a news release issued today by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office:
At this time, Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach has directed automated license plate reader cameras to be disconnected immediately and removed within 30 days. In total the sheriff’s office had 18 cameras on major roadways in Putnam County.
“Over the past several weeks, legitimate questions have continued to emerge regarding privacy, data sharing, governmental oversight and the future regulation of this technology,” DeLoach said. “I believe the responsible course is to discontinue our program and cancel our contract at this time.”
The decision follows continuing developments surrounding the use of automated license plate recognition systems in Florida, as well as a rapidly evolving statewide and national discussion concerning privacy, data sharing and the appropriate limits of government use of this technology.
“This was not a decision I made lightly. ALPR technology has proven to be a valuable law-enforcement tool, but I have become increasingly concerned that the technology is advancing faster than the laws and regulations governing its use. Until that framework catches up and provides clearer, more consistent safeguards for both public safety and individual privacy, I believe discontinuing the program is the most responsible course for our agency and the community we serve.” DeLoach said.
ALPRs were first placed in Putnam County in 2022 and have helped successfully locate Alzheimer’s and those with early stages of dementia who have become disoriented while on the road, they have also helped us track and arrest murder suspects, as well as earlier this year helped the sheriff’s office and FBI locate a teenage victim of human trafficking from another state.
“Automated license plate readers are an effective law-enforcement tool, and I’ve seen firsthand how they can help us locate dangerous offenders, recover stolen vehicles, kidnapping victims, and solve serious crimes. I also believe, however, that effective law enforcement requires the trust and confidence of the people we serve,” DeLoach said.
At the sheriff’s office extensive protocols were in place to ensure proper usage of ALPRs including a case number associated with use and quarterly audits of information being accessed. However, camera usage by other law enforcement agencies and private residents have opened up situations of misuse nationwide.
“I remain confident that our deputies used this technology lawfully, responsibly and in accordance with some of the strongest safeguards we could put in place. This decision is not an indictment of their work, nor does it mean the technology has no legitimate law-enforcement value. It simply means that when the rules, public expectations and regulatory environment surrounding a technology are changing this rapidly, we should be willing to reevaluate whether continuing to use it is in the best interest of our community,” DeLoach said.
Therefore, until there is further direction and laws created by the state legislature giving law enforcement parameters and guidance, the sheriff’s office is discontinuing use of the cameras and the accompanying technology.
“Public safety matters. So does individual liberty. Neither should be treated casually,” DeLoach said.
1,173 Days and Counting
As we have several times in the past, Clay News and Views invites Sheriff Michelle Cook to come on our podcast and explain why she thinks the benefits of Flock cameras outweigh any threats to our personal liberty. It may be worth noting that Cook is friendly with Gator DeLoach, having had him as as guest on her podcast.
I'll give Cook some credit here, many of the other sheriffs saw that the order was coming to take them down and wanted to ride the good wave of liberty. Cook doesn't care as much about liberty and therefore said she just followed the order to not use as described by the FDOT order. I wonder if she will keep them up on county roadways? I hope not. While these cameras may provide some LE value, they have also been abused and also violate civil rights. I hope they never come back, we don't live in Communist China!
Cmon Clay!