Over the past several weeks, I have heard a lot of feedback from residents and seen a lot of coverage in the news about Flock and its automated license plate reader cameras, often called ALPR. Many of you have raised concerns about privacy, and I want to make sure those concerns are heard.
To better understand how this technology works and why it has been used in our community, I reached out to Winter Springs Police Chief Matt Tracht for his perspective.
Chief Tracht explained that ALPR stands for automated license plate reader. Flock is one brand among several, including Axon, Motorola, and NDI, that offer similar technology. These cameras read government issued license plates on public roadways and compare that information against databases of stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and missing or endangered individuals. According to the chief, the cameras do not monitor personal movements or collect personal information beyond what is visible on a public road.
Chief Tracht pointed to several cases where ALPR technology played a role in local investigations. These included the Publix parking lot incident on SR 434 that led to three arrests, the safe recovery of a mother and infant child during a crisis situation, and the search for missing person Shakeria Rucker in Orange County. He also cited a case involving a sexual predator who was identified and stopped before entering a July 4th celebration in Winter Springs.
The chief acknowledged that ALPR technology has been misused in other parts of the country. He noted that the department has policies in place to hold officers accountable for any misuse of these systems, similar to safeguards in other professions that handle sensitive information.
I have not made a decision on this issue, and I do not think it would be responsible to do so without hearing more from the people I represent. I do appreciate the chief taking the time to lay out this information so clearly.
Privacy and safety both matter to our community, and finding the right balance between them is not always simple. I want to hear directly from residents as this conversation continues.
I encourage anyone with questions or concerns about ALPR technology to reach out directly, and I will continue to share updates as this conversation moves forward.
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By M.D.
There is currently a flock camera being installed directly across from my home along Northern Way. I have lived here for nearly 30 years and have never experienced any form of crime in that time that warrants cameras being put up. I’m deeply uncomfortable with a surveillance device being installed in a residential neighborhood. There are already too many instances of flock cameras being abused and misused, whatever deterrents may be in place will not stop someone who already has ill intent. This, combined with the lack of notice before the cameras were placed, does not make me feel safer. I understand that the cameras only scan license plates, but the camera’s view literally looks into my living room. This does not instill me with a sense of privacy or security at all.
By Victoria Bruce
Thank you so much for this info. I am looking into see how the permitting is handled and if we are able to suggest a better location or not allow at all in neighborhoods. Can you take a photo and send to me at vbruce@winterspringsfl.org so I understand the vicinity of your home and the camera. This is highly controversial. I am doing research on the pros and cons.
By M.D.
Thank you for taking the time to get back to me. After contact with Chief Tracht, I’ve actually been able to confirm the workers were not installing a flock camera. I appreciate your response and definitely would appreciate restrictions around use in neighborhoods.
By M.D.
Thank you for your response. After contact with Chief Tracht, I was able to confirm that the workers were not installing a Flock camera. I appreciate you getting back to me and would definitely agree with restrictions on use in neighborhoods.