St. Lucie County officials in Florida have ordered the removal of 14 Flock Safety automated license-plate readers installed without county permits or approval. The discovery follows an ongoing effort to dismantle existing Flock cameras after growing concerns over privacy and police misuse.
County staff posted removal notices on the unauthorized devices, setting deadlines between October 16 and October 20 for the unidentified installer to comply. After the deadlines pass, county workers will either remove the cameras or cover them to prevent recording, according to county spokesperson Erick Gill.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has claimed ownership of three of the unpermitted cameras, but has not explained why they were installed without proper authorization. The remaining 11 cameras remain unclaimed, leaving officials uncertain about their origin or purpose.
Immediate Response and Enforcement
County officials confirmed the discovery of the unauthorized cameras after initially identifying 52 authorized Flock devices in operation. The Florida Department of Transportation had previously mandated the removal of all Flock cameras in the county, prompting the review.
Gill stated that county staff have been in contact with Flock Safety regarding the situation but did not provide further details. The Sheriff’s Office and Flock Safety did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.
Broader Context: Flock Safety Under Scrutiny
The revelation adds to mounting concerns about Flock Safety’s automated license-plate readers, which have faced criticism over privacy violations and potential misuse by law enforcement. Reports have highlighted cases where police officers allegedly exploited the system’s database to stalk individuals, including romantic partners.
A growing number of jurisdictions nationwide have terminated their contracts with Flock Safety amid these controversies. The company markets its technology as a tool for crime prevention and traffic enforcement, but critics argue it enables widespread surveillance without adequate oversight.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
Officials have not determined who installed the 11 unclaimed cameras or whether they were collecting motorists’ data. The lack of transparency has raised concerns about data access, storage, and potential violations of state regulations.
County staff are continuing their investigation, with removal notices serving as the first step in addressing the unauthorized installations. The Sheriff’s Office has not provided a timeline for when the remaining cameras will be accounted for or removed.