Orange Park, Florida, December 4, 2025
The Orange Park town council is reviewing a proposal to install six Flock Safety license plate reader cameras for enhanced public safety. While the initiative aims to improve local security, it has raised substantial privacy concerns among residents and officials over potential surveillance issues and the use of taxpayer funds. The council is set to discuss the proposal further on January 6.
Orange Park Considers Installation of Flock Safety Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns
Orange Park, Florida – The town council is evaluating a proposal to install six Flock Safety license plate reader (LPR) cameras on local roadways, aiming to enhance public safety through advanced surveillance technology. This initiative has sparked significant privacy concerns among residents and local officials.
Proposal Details
The council is considering a contract with Flock Safety, a company specializing in automated license plate recognition systems. The proposed plan includes the purchase and installation of six LPR cameras, with a total expenditure of $39,000. These cameras are designed to capture vehicle data, potentially aiding in the identification of stolen vehicles and individuals with outstanding warrants. The contract also grants the Orange Park Police Department access to data collected from Flock installations in neighboring Clay and Duval counties, as well as nationwide data. The specific locations for camera installation have not been disclosed. The town council is scheduled to revisit this proposal at its meeting on January 6.
Community and Official Concerns
Residents have expressed apprehension regarding the expansion of surveillance measures. Some community members question the necessity and cost of additional cameras, raising concerns about their effectiveness and the allocation of taxpayer funds. A council member also highlighted potential privacy issues, suggesting that the implementation of such a “mass surveillance network” could compromise citizen safety.
Background on Flock Safety Technology
Flock Safety, founded in 2017, provides automated license plate recognition systems and video surveillance solutions. Their technology is utilized by law enforcement agencies, neighborhood associations, and private property owners across over 5,000 communities in 49 U.S. states. The company claims that its cameras can reduce crime by capturing vehicle data, which can be shared with law enforcement agencies. However, the use of such surveillance technology has raised privacy concerns, with critics arguing that it may infringe on civil liberties and lead to unwarranted monitoring of individuals.
Financial Implications
Orange Park has a history of generating revenue through traffic enforcement technologies. Between 2023 and 2024, the town collected $1.89 million from red light camera fines, marking the highest revenue from this source in over a decade. In the subsequent year, the revenue increased to $2.16 million. This financial trend has led some residents to question whether the primary motivation behind implementing additional surveillance measures is financial gain rather than public safety.
Next Steps
The town council is set to deliberate further on the Flock Safety camera proposal in the upcoming meeting on January 6. The decision will weigh the potential benefits of enhanced public safety against the privacy concerns and financial considerations raised by the community and local officials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Flock Safety camera proposal in Orange Park?
The Orange Park town council is considering a proposal to install six Flock Safety license plate reader (LPR) cameras on local roadways to enhance public safety through advanced surveillance technology. The total expenditure for this initiative is $39,000.
What are the privacy concerns associated with the Flock Safety cameras?
Residents and local officials have expressed concerns that the implementation of a “mass surveillance network” could compromise citizen safety and infringe on privacy rights.
How has Orange Park previously generated revenue from traffic enforcement technologies?
Between 2023 and 2024, Orange Park collected $1.89 million from red light camera fines, marking the highest revenue from this source in over a decade. In the subsequent year, the revenue increased to $2.16 million.
What is Flock Safety, and how does its technology work?
Flock Safety is a company that provides automated license plate recognition systems and video surveillance solutions. Their technology captures vehicle data, which can be shared with law enforcement agencies to aid in identifying stolen vehicles and individuals with outstanding warrants.
When will the Orange Park town council make a decision on the Flock Safety camera proposal?
The town council is scheduled to revisit the proposal at its meeting on January 6.
Key Features of the Flock Safety Camera Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | Six Flock Safety license plate reader (LPR) cameras |
| Total Expenditure | $39,000 for purchase and installation |
| Data Access | Orange Park Police Department can access data from Flock installations in Clay and Duval counties, as well as nationwide data |
| Installation Locations | Specific locations have not been disclosed |
| Council Meeting | Proposal to be revisited on January 6 |
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