- Gainesville Police suspended use of automated license plate reader cameras effective 3 p.m. Thursday following Gov. DeSantis' directive to remove them from state rights-of-way.
- GPD will continue using other investigative tools like body-worn cameras while monitoring potential legislation and community concerns about privacy.
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya has directed the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) to suspend its use of automated license plate reader cameras mounted along city rights-of-way, commonly known as Flock cameras.
In a GPD Facebook release posted on Thursday, the decision follows Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement Monday regarding the removal of license plate reader cameras from state rights-of-way.
Effective at 3 p.m. Thursday, cameras operated by the GPD have been turned off and are no longer being used.
“Automated license plate readers have unequivocally been one of our best public safety tools in recent years, and, because of this technology, we have solved countless crimes, including homicides, sexual assaults, recovered missing people, and brought to justice those who have harmed our community,” Moya said in the release.
“While we believe that we have strong policies and safeguards in place governing the use of these cameras, and regularly inspect the system to ensure compliance, we recognize the unilateral wave of community concerns regarding privacy and individual rights,” he said.
Moya said the decision to suspend the technology was made with the goal of maintaining public trust while the department monitors potential legislative action.
“Our responsibility is to be good stewards of the community we serve and, above all, to maintain the public’s trust,” Moya said. “After careful consideration, I believe suspending the use of these cameras is in the best interest of our community while we continue to monitor any potential legislative efforts at the state and federal level in the hope that it brings greater transparency regarding the use of this technology, and, for us here in Gainesville, to garner support from our community in its use.”
GPD acknowledged that automated license plate reader technology has generated differing opinions within the community. The department said it remains committed to working with residents and community stakeholders to address public safety concerns while respecting individual rights and liberties.
Residents may continue to see license plate reader cameras on some roadways. However, cameras operated by GPD are no longer being utilized by the department.
The suspension does not affect other investigative tools or technologies used by GPD. Body-worn camera technology will continue to play an integral role in the department’s efforts to maintain transparency and enhance the quality of cases brought forward by police officers.
GPD said it will continue to evaluate available resources and practices to ensure the department can effectively address crime and protect the Gainesville community.
On Monday, Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott announced that the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office would remove its 27 automated license plate readers from the rights-of-way of state roads and highways.