PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach ordered the immediate disconnection of all 18 automated license plate reader cameras on major roadways in Putnam County on Monday, with full removal of the equipment scheduled within 30 days.
The decision comes as debate grows across Florida and nationwide surrounding automated license plate recognition systems.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
“Over the past several weeks, legitimate questions have continued to emerge regarding privacy, data sharing, governmental oversight and the future regulation of this technology,” DeLoach said in a social media post. “I believe the responsible course is to discontinue our program and cancel our contract at this time.”
DeLoach noted that the program will remain discontinued until legislative safeguards are established.
“This was not a decision I made lightly,” DeLoach said. “ALPR technology has proven to be a valuable law-enforcement tool, but I have become increasingly concerned that the technology is advancing faster than the laws and regulations governing its use. Until that framework catches up and provides clearer, more consistent safeguards for both public safety and individual privacy, I believe discontinuing the program is the most responsible course for our agency and the community we serve.”
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said it first deployed automated license plate readers in 2022. Since their installation, deputies have used the system to locate missing motorists with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who became disoriented on the road. The technology has also been utilized to track murder suspects, recover stolen vehicles, and assist in solving serious crimes.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Earlier this year, the sheriff’s office said it partnered with the FBI to use the camera network to locate a teenage victim of human trafficking from another state. DeLoach acknowledged the system’s law enforcement capabilities while emphasizing the importance of public trust.
“Automated license plate readers are an effective law-enforcement tool and I’ve seen firsthand how they can help us locate dangerous offenders, recover stolen vehicles, kidnapping victims and solve serious crimes,” DeLoach said. “I also believe, however, that effective law enforcement requires the trust and confidence of the people we serve.”
Prior to the shutdown, the sheriff’s office said it maintained internal oversight protocols, requiring a specific case number for each camera search alongside quarterly audits of accessed information. However, officials noted that camera usage by other law enforcement agencies and private residents nationwide has created instances of misuse. DeLoach defended the conduct of his department while explaining the decision to step back.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
“I remain confident that our deputies used this technology lawfully, responsibly and in accordance with some of the strongest safeguards we could put in place,” DeLoach said. “This decision is not an indictment of their work, nor does it mean the technology has no legitimate law-enforcement value. It simply means that when the rules, public expectations and regulatory environment surrounding a technology are changing this rapidly, we should be willing to reevaluate whether continuing to use it is in the best interest of our community.”
The sheriff’s office stated it will suspend the use of ALPR cameras and accompanying technology until the Florida Legislature establishes clear parameters and statutory guidance.
“Public safety matters. So does individual liberty,” DeLoach said. “Neither should be treated casually.”
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
