The St. Petersburg Police Department has issued its most detailed public explanation yet of how it uses Flock license plate readers after weeks of growing public scrutiny over the technology.
The statement comes after St. Petersburg resident Carl Gunn’s protests against the cameras – blocking them with cardboard attached to a pole – drew widespread attention online and in national media, piquing concerns and questions from local news organizations about how the city’s roughly 50 automated license plate readers collect, store and use vehicle data.
“There has been a great deal of discussion about Flock Safety cameras and how law enforcement uses them,” Police Chief Anthony Holloway wrote. “We want to provide clear, factual information about what these cameras do, how they help keep our communities safer, and address some of the misinformation circulating on social media.”
Flock cameras are mounted along roadways and photograph passing vehicles, recording license plate numbers along with details such as the vehicle’s make, model, color and distinguishing characteristics. Police departments can search that information during criminal investigations or receive alerts when a vehicle associated with a crime enters the camera network…