The city of Jacksonville has deployed hundreds of Flock cameras to help law enforcement track vehicles. These cameras, manufactured by Flock Safety, are automated license plate readers that can capture a vehicle’s license plate and details like make, model, color, and bumper stickers.
Authority and Installation
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has stated that it respects the constitutional rights of all citizens and takes necessary steps to protect and defend those rights. The department uses the technology to identify and find murderers, child predators, carjackers, robbery suspects, rapists, traffic homicide suspects, traffickers, and other criminals.
The cameras are also used to rescue missing children, vulnerable adults, and dementia or Alzheimer’s patients. The city’s initial contract with Flock details the cost — $114,000 for a year — and how the records will be managed.
Concerns and Misuse
However, critics consider the cameras secretive and intrusive. Some individuals have vandalized, shot at, or run over the cameras. In one instance, a 19-year-old Jacksonville Beach man was accused of spray-painting five Flock cameras in Atlantic and Neptune Beach.
In other cities, such as Savannah, there have been reports of misuse of the Flock system. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has strict policies governing the use of the technology to ensure it is used for appropriate law enforcement purposes.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
