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Accountability • Local Government

Tallahassee Suspends Flock and Other License-Plate Reader Systems After Unanimous Vote

By 2 min read

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tallahassee commissioners have unanimously directed the police department to suspend its use of automated license-plate reader systems, including cameras supplied by Flock Safety.

City of Tallahassee official logo

The Sept. 9 vote covers both Flock and Vigilant-branded systems used by the Tallahassee Police Department. City records presented to commissioners listed 80 Flock cameras and 75 Vigilant cameras, for a combined network of 155 readers.

A reversal after renewed scrutiny

The decision reversed the commission’s position from two weeks earlier, when a proposal to begin removing the technology failed. The issue returned amid statewide debate over privacy, data sharing and the placement of readers along state-maintained roads.

Automated readers capture plates and vehicle details as traffic passes. Police say searchable alerts can help locate stolen cars, missing people and vehicles connected to serious crimes. Critics argue that large interconnected networks can reveal the travel patterns of people who are not suspected of wrongdoing.

Commissioners heard both public objections and the police department’s account of cases in which the technology aided investigations. The suspension means officers cannot use the systems unless the commission later authorizes their return.

Broader Florida review

Florida transportation officials have separately ordered automated plate readers removed from state-road rights of way. Several sheriffs and municipal departments have paused or ended their Flock programs while agencies review statewide rules and internal safeguards.

Tallahassee’s vote suspends use of the systems; it does not by itself establish that any city employee misused them.

Official record: Sept. 9 Tallahassee City Commission meeting video and transcript.