OKALOOSA COUNTY SHERIFF REMOVING LICENSE PLATE CAMERAS

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office says it will begin removing and suspending its automated license plate reader camera program following a new Florida Department of Transportation memorandum. The memo revokes permits allowing local law enforcement agencies to place the cameras within state road rights-of-way, citing concerns about rapid deployment, data privacy and surveillance. Agencies have 30 days to remove affected cameras. Sheriff Aden says the technology has been valuable in solving crimes and protecting lives, but the department will comply with the new directive. The sheriff’s office will also remove its remaining cameras on county rights-of-way.