NewsWFLA News Channel 8August 27, 2026Hillsborough
St. Petersburg City Council to review Flock Safety camera contract and privacy policies
The St. Petersburg City Council will meet Thursday at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the city's existing contract with Flock Safety and the future use of automated license plate reader cameras. The discussion follows public debate regarding privacy concerns and reports of database misuse by law enforcement in other areas.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
The city currently operates 50 license plate reader cameras, and this discussion will determine whether the city continues or modifies its surveillance contract with Flock Safety.
Key Facts
- The St. Petersburg City Council is scheduled to discuss the city's Flock Safety contract on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
- St. Petersburg currently has approximately 50 Flock automated license plate reader cameras installed.
- The cameras capture vehicle images, license plates, make, model, and color.
- Police report the technology assists in tracking suspect vehicles and solving crimes.
- Critics express concern that the cameras create a permanent record of the travel patterns of law-abiding citizens.
- Some Flock cameras in the region have been vandalized.
- There have been reports of law enforcement officers in the Bay Area misusing Flock databases to track civilians.
- Governor Ron DeSantis has requested that the Florida Legislature consider regulations for digital surveillance technology.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who has called for state-level regulations on digital survei”organizationFlock Safety“The company providing the automated license plate reader technology.”personCarl Gunn“Member of the group Flock Blocker who opposes the cameras.”organizationSt. Petersburg City Council“The governing body holding the meeting.”organizationFlock Blocker“An advocacy group opposing the use of Flock cameras.”