Vandalized Flock Cameras Reported In 4 Tampa Bay-Area Communities: Reports

TAMPA BAY, FL — Four law enforcement agencies in communities across the greater Tampa Bay area have reported the vandalism of Flock cameras, according to multiple reports.

Police in Florida are among thousands of agencies nationwide using the automated license plate readers to photograph vehicles and add the images to searchable databases.

The Sarasota Police Department found a damaged Flock camera on South Tuttle Avenue near Hibiscus Street on Monday, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The department said it's not sure how the camera was damaged, but it will cost about $800 to repair, and the damage is being investigated as a crime.

The North Port Police Department and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office told WWSB that they also have found damaged or vandalized Flock cameras.

Meanwhile, over the weekend in St. Petersburg, a Flock camera overlooking the Snell Isle Bridge was vandalized when someone spray-painted it gold, Bay News 9 reported.

• Also Read: Here's How To Know If You've Been 'Flocked' In FL

St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway recently defended the use of Flock cameras, calling them “a valuable investigative tool” in a news release.

He said the St. Petersburg Police Department only uses the cameras to solve crimes and “does not use the cameras to monitor people's daily activities or track where people go without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.”

The chief said the department’s safeguards when using Flock cameras include only retaining videos for 30 days, limiting access to them and requiring documentation for the reason they’re being utilized.

“Technology like Flock cameras is one of many tools that help law enforcement protect our communities. When used responsibly and with appropriate safeguards, it can provide critical information that helps solve crimes, recover stolen property, locate missing persons, and enhance public safety while respecting individual privacy,” Holloway said.

A St. Petersburg man has launched his own protest of flock cameras in the city.

Carl Gunn has spent his last three Saturdays sitting in front of Flock cameras in different areas while holding a cardboard sign to block their view. He plans to continue these protests every weekend.

"I want the people to know that these are watching us as law-abiding citizens. The Constitution protects us from this. It says it right in there but our government has forgot to read it," Gunn told WTSP.

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