NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 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 the information gathered by these devices.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why 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
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
organizationFlock Safety“Provider of automated license plate reader technology.”organizationSt. Petersburg City Council“The body 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“Councilmember bringing the Flock discussion to the City Council agenda.”organizationSt. Petersburg Police Department“The agency operating the license plate reader cameras.”organizationICE“Federal agency mentioned in reports regarding data sharing.”locationSt. Petersburg“The city where the surveillance cameras are being used.”personZach Schira“Organizer for DeFlock St. Pete.”organizationDeFlock St. Pete“A newly formed group seeking the removal of license plate readers.”