NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)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 (Local & State)Why It Matters
Residents' personal travel data and license plate information are being collected by city police, raising questions about data privacy and government transparency for all vehicle owners in St. Petersburg.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
organizationFlock Safety“The company providing 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“An 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 department that operates the Flock camera system.”locationSt. Petersburg“The city where the surveillance cameras are in use.”personZach Schira“Organizer for DeFlock St. Pete.”organizationDeFlock St. Pete“A newly formed group seeking the removal of license plate readers.”