Photo Credit: Florida Sheriff's Association
(ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FL.) – Sheriff Chip W. Simmons has suspended the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office use of Automated License Plate Reader cameras.
The announcement comes one day after the Florida Department of Transportation revoked all state permits for police ALPRs and ordered them removed from state roads within 30 days.
The suspension was welcomed by residents who have pushed back against the cameras for years. Local advocate Jacob Rockwell praised the move, saying the Sheriff listened to public concerns about data privacy and constitutional rights.
"Sheriff Simmons is a great cop; he listened to the people in this regard. Our worries about outside government agencies having access to this data and the 4th amendment implications were heard," Rockwell said."
Rockwell noted that about three quarters of the local camera network would have still been legal even after the FDOT order, because they are on county, private and municipal roads.
"Thanks for making me eat my words that someone would have to make him take them down. I like being right but every so often I love being wrong." Rockwell said.
Rockwell also credited Escambia residents for keeping the debate civil.
"I also want to say how proud I am of Escambians. Not resulting to property destruction or vandalism and allowing the lawful process to move forward. We are being heard," Rockwell said.
Other residents framed the issue around the Bill of Rights. Commentator Jacob said the decision shows Simmons weighed both public safety and constitutional principles.
"I think he really does believe in the Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and sometimes I just think it just takes people... some people it takes them a little bit longer than others," Larry Downs Jr. said. "With the Bill of Rights, either you believe in it or you don't."
Downs added that constant surveillance mirrors the kind of government overreach the founders warned against.
"Our basic founding principles of this country was against a tyrannical government that wants to regiment every aspect of your lives and that's kind of what constant surveillance is." Downs said.
In his statement, Sheriff Simmons said ALPRs have helped solve crimes and locate missing people, but that "legitimate concerns deserve to be addressed."
With FDOT banning new ALPRs on state roads and other Florida agencies suspending use, Simmons said a pause allows time to work with the Florida Sheriffs Association and state leaders on "thoughtful statewide legislation."
"Clear and consistent rules that protect the privacy of law-abiding citizens while preserving an important investigative tool for law enforcement," Sherriff Chip Simmons said.
The suspension applies to ALPR camera networks.
To add any information in this report, or to share tips please contact me at pepper.w@lead4earth.org
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