Palm Beach County commissioners convened a workshop on Tuesday to examine the growing network of Flock license‑plate cameras that line the county’s roadways. Commissioner Joel Flores, who drives past a camera daily, asked whether the system creates a record of where residents travel and who they are with, and whether law‑enforcement should need a warrant to search that data.
Commissioners raise privacy questions
Flores said he supports using the cameras to solve crimes but warned that the technology could amount to “mass surveillance” if not properly limited. He asked the Sheriff’s Office to clarify who owns the data, how long it is retained, and what happens when images are downloaded.
Commissioner Sara Baxter echoed those concerns, describing the issue as a “slippery slope” for privacy. Commissioner Bobby Powell broadened the discussion, noting that cameras are becoming ubiquitous in public spaces and that opting out of tracking is increasingly difficult.
Sheriff’s Office response
Maj. Thomas Fresneda of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) told the panel that the cameras are used only in connection with legitimate criminal investigations. “It captures the tag, and all we know is that tag drove past that location at that specific time,” he said.
Fresneda explained that deputies must provide a case number and a reason before conducting a search of the footage. The office conducts weekly audits and, according to Fresneda, has found no instances of misuse. He also confirmed that PBSO does not use the artificial‑intelligence search feature that Flores highlighted during the workshop.
Outstanding questions
Commissioners left the meeting with several unanswered items: who outside Palm Beach County can access the data, the exact retention schedule, and the protocol for handling downloaded images. Flores suggested pausing new permits for additional Flock cameras until the county gathers more information.
The sheriff’s office indicated it has asked the state for exemptions that would allow some cameras to remain on state rights‑of‑way for dignitary protection, a request that remains under review.
Balancing safety and liberty
The debate reflects a broader tension between public‑safety tools and individual liberty. While the cameras have helped locate stolen vehicles and assist in investigations, residents and elected officials are urging transparency and safeguards to protect privacy.
WPBF 25 News Investigates will continue to follow the county’s review and report on any additional answers the sheriff’s office provides.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
