BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. — Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said Monday he has ordered his department to immediately cease using license plate reader technology across Bradford County after state officials revoked permits for the devices on state roads.
The mandate comes after the Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits allowing law enforcement to operate license plate readers on state roadways.
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Smith announced BCSO will comply with the state directive without exception and end all license plate reader usage countywide.
Smith addressed the permit revocation and local feedback regarding the technology in a statement to residents.
“As your Sheriff, I work for the people of Bradford County. That means I listen when you raise concerns and it means I follow the law,” Smith said. “The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office will comply with that directive, no exceptions.”
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Smith acknowledged the past utility of automated license plate readers while explaining his decision to end their deployment throughout the county.
“These systems have helped us work cases and find people who needed to be found. They are a useful tool,” Smith said. “But the state has made its decision and I have heard from people in our community who are uneasy about this technology. Given both of those things, I believe the right call right now is to take them down.”
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Smith confirmed the shutdown is effective immediately and promised ongoing law enforcement efforts across Bradford County.
“I am also directing our office to stop using LPR technology anywhere in Bradford County, effective immediately,” Smith said. “We will keep doing everything we lawfully can to stop crime, solve cases and look after the people who live here.”
Earlier Monday, Putnam County Sheriff “Gator” DeLoach announced that the 18 cameras throughout Putnam County would be taken down and Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office would comply with the state directive.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook also announced the removal of the license plate readers. Nassau Sheriff Bill Leeper said of the removal of the cameras in his county, “As technology continues to evolve, we welcome the opportunity to work with our local and state partners to ensure these tools are used appropriately, responsibly and as intended to assist in solving serious crimes, locating missing or endangered persons and recovering stolen property while also protecting the rights and privacy of our citizens.”
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