NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)August 27, 2026Hillsborough
DeFlock St. Pete challenges city use of license plate reader cameras
The advocacy group DeFlock St. Pete is challenging the St. Petersburg Police Department's use of automated license plate reader cameras. The group is raising concerns regarding the volume of data collected, the storage of that information, and the lack of public transparency regarding who has access to the data.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)Why It Matters
Residents' personal travel data and license plate information are being collected by city police, raising questions about data privacy and government oversight of surveillance technology.
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“Reported as an agency that receives shared data from the city's system.”personRichie Floyd“Supporting the effort to examine the Flock Safety contract.”organizationSt. Petersburg Police Department“The law enforcement agency operating the license plate reader cameras.”organizationICE“Federal agency cited by DeFlock as a potential recipient of shared data.”locationSt. Petersburg“The city where the surveillance policy is being contested.”personZach Schira“Organizer for DeFlock St. Pete.”organizationDeFlock St. Pete“Formed to oppose the use of automated license plate readers in St. Petersburg.”