The St. Petersburg Police Department has issued a statement addressing ongoing discussions and social media claims regarding its use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers.

Investigative Tool, Not Surveillance Device

Police Chief Anthony Holloway detailed how the department uses the camera system, emphasizing that the technology serves as an investigative tool rather than a daily surveillance device for the general public.

According to the department, the automated license plate readers photograph passing vehicles rather than drivers or passengers. The system captures specific vehicle details, including the license plate number, issuing state, make, model, body type, color, missing plates, and other distinguishing physical features. The department noted that facial recognition is not used.

Authorized law enforcement personnel are permitted to search the database only for active public safety purposes. These include criminal investigations like homicides, robberies, vehicle burglaries, and hit-and-run crashes. The system is also used to track missing or endangered individuals and process real-time alerts for AMBER Alerts, Silver Alerts, kidnappings, fleeing violent suspects, and wrong-way drivers.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

To address privacy concerns, the department outlined several security measures. Data captured by the cameras is automatically deleted after 30 days. Furthermore, officers accessing the system must document a specific law enforcement reason for every search performed.

Department policy restricts system access to authorized personnel, and misuse of the technology carries penalties up to termination of employment and potential civil action. The police department noted that Flock Safety maintains its own separate employee policies.

The department stated that technology like Flock cameras is one of many tools that help law enforcement protect our communities. When used responsibly and with appropriate safeguards, it can provide critical information that helps solve crimes, recover stolen property, locate missing persons, and enhance public safety while respecting individual privacy.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.