Public Meeting Set to Discuss Flock Safety License Plate Readers

MONROE COUNTY — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Monroe County Commission, will hold a public informational meeting regarding the Flock Safety license plate reader system currently being used in Monroe County.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. at the Monroe County Courthouse and is open to the public.

A representative from Flock Safety is expected to participate either in person or by video conference to explain the system and answer questions from county officials and members of the public.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the meeting is intended to give residents an opportunity to better understand how the technology works, how it is being used locally and to ask questions directly.

License plate reader technology has generated considerable discussion, including questions concerning what information is collected, how long information is retained, how data may be shared, privacy concerns and how law enforcement agencies utilize the system.

The Sheriff’s Office said it believes an open public meeting will provide a better forum for addressing those questions than attempting to discuss the issues through social media.

“The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has always worked to be transparent with the citizens we serve,” the office stated. “We believe the public should have an opportunity to understand how these systems work, know how they are used, and to ask questions about them.”

Members of the Monroe County Commission will also have the opportunity to hear information about the system and participate in the discussion.

Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend the Oct. 5 meeting.