Mystery Surveillance Cameras Found in Florida County Spark Privacy Concerns
St. Lucie County officials discover 14 unauthorized Flock Safety cameras. Authorities scramble to identify owners and address potential data privacy risks.
POLICY WIRE — St. Lucie County, Florida — Local officials were stunned to discover 14 unauthorized automated license-plate readers operating on county roads, despite previously believing they had a complete inventory of the 52 approved Flock Safety surveillance devices.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has claimed ownership of three of the mystery cameras, yet they have failed to explain why these units were not included in the original authorized list. The remaining 11 devices currently lack a publicly identified owner, leaving officials uncertain about who is collecting data or who has access to the information.
Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based firm, produces these cameras to assist law enforcement in tracking stolen vehicles and missing persons. However, the technology faces intense scrutiny due to its ability to build comprehensive travel histories for motorists.
Concerns regarding misuse were amplified in September when a former Fort Pierce police officer was arrested on four felony counts. He allegedly accessed the Flock database 382 times to monitor his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle while off duty.
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County spokesperson Erick Gill confirmed that officials have issued notices on the unauthorized cameras, mandating their removal within 30 days. With deadlines ranging from October 16 to 20, county workers are currently covering the devices with plastic bags to halt data collection.
One camera previously located near a residential area on 25th Street in Fort Pierce has already vanished, leaving behind only a removal notice. Local resident Ty Grant, 28, expressed alarm upon learning the device was not sanctioned by the government, stating, That makes me feel very unsafe.
Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel stated that the company is coordinating with the county to identify the devices and resolve discrepancies. Lewbel noted that while the company seeks permits where required, regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction.
This incident follows similar reports of unauthorized Flock installations in Utah and Massachusetts. A 2024 investigation by Forbes also identified instances of the company’s cameras being deployed without necessary permits across multiple states, including Florida.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
