NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsAugust 27, 2026Hillsborough
DeFlock St. Pete challenges city use of license plate reader cameras
Organizers from the group DeFlock are petitioning the St. Petersburg City Council to address concerns regarding the police department's use of automated license plate reader cameras. The group is calling for greater transparency regarding data collection, storage, and third-party access to information gathered by these devices.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsWhy It Matters
The outcome of this advocacy could change how the St. Petersburg Police Department manages, stores, and shares data collected from public surveillance cameras, affecting the privacy rights of all residents whose vehicles are scanned.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
organizationFlock Safety“Provider of automated license plate reader technology”organizationSt. Petersburg City Council“Responsible for the city's contract with Flock Safety”organizationFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission“Agency identified by DeFlock as a recipient of shared data”personRichie Floyd“Supporting the effort to examine the Flock contract”organizationSt. Petersburg Police Department“The agency operating the license plate reader cameras.”organizationICE“Federal agency cited by DeFlock regarding data sharing concerns”locationSt. Petersburg“The city where the surveillance policy is being challenged.”personZach Schira“Spokesperson for DeFlock St. Pete”organizationDeFlock St. Pete“Newly formed group seeking removal of license plate readers”