Volusia County law‑enforcement officials announced an immediate shutdown of every license‑plate reader camera operating in the county after a string of vandalism incidents that have taken down 11 Flock devices. The sheriff’s office said two of the most recent attacks occurred in the DeLand area, where cameras were knocked over and poles were sawed down.

Arrest made in Port Orange

Deputies have arrested 18‑year‑old Jaden Brooks, charging him with criminal mischief for three separate incidents in Port Orange. Brooks is currently out on bond, and his arraignment is set for September.

Law‑enforcement perspective

Flock cameras automatically capture images of passing vehicles and their license plates, providing investigators with data that can help solve crimes. “The cameras themselves are not your enemy,” said Mike Scudeiro of the Daytona Beach Police Union. “Your enemy is the camera being misused on the other end by someone.” He added that criminals increasingly rely on burner phones, GPS tracking and encrypted messaging, making technology a vital tool for police.

Community concerns

Some residents have voiced worries about privacy and data retention. Volusia County resident Chris Dunn said, “It’s not an invasion of privacy, but I think it’s an overreach.” Dunn acknowledged the usefulness of the technology but urged that it be used more selectively, suggesting it should only be activated when a specific vehicle can be identified for tracking.

State action

Separately, the Florida Department of Transportation announced it will order the removal of all license‑plate readers on state‑maintained roads within the next 30 days, signaling a broader retreat from the technology amid public debate.

Ongoing investigation

The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the recent DeLand vandalism incidents while the county evaluates how to balance public‑safety benefits with community privacy concerns.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.