A Message from the Chief of Police Regarding FLOCK License Plate Reader Technology
To the Jacksonville Beach Community:
The safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors is the Jacksonville Beach Police Department’s highest priority. I want to take this opportunity to explain why the City invested in FLOCK License Plate Reader (LPR) technology, how it is used, and why it remains an important tool for keeping our community safe.
Following numerous violent incidents over the past several decades—and particularly the shootings that occurred on St. Patrick’s Day in 2024—our City Council and city leadership undertook a comprehensive review of public safety in Jacksonville Beach. The goal was not only to understand the challenges we face, but more importantly, to identify practical ways to prevent and respond to future incidents.
That review made one thing clear: our Police Department needed additional resources. With strong community support, the City increased officer pay to improve recruitment and retention, added sworn positions, and invested in new equipment. City Council also challenged city leadership and the Police Department to develop a common-sense, affordable plan to responsibly use technology to enhance public safety.
That effort became the Public Safety Technology Enhancement Plan (PSTEP).
PSTEP was developed over more than three years and represents a methodical, comprehensive, and layered approach to public safety technology. The plan was presented, discussed, refined, and ultimately funded through Jacksonville Beach’s established legislative process. It was discussed at no fewer than a dozen public
meetings, workshops, and City Council meetings, and the plan was also made available through social media and traditional media.
The City and Police Department have been transparent throughout this process, and we are grateful for the tremendous support we received from Jacksonville Beach residents and business owners.
FLOCK License Plate Reader technology is only one component of that larger public safety strategy.
Approximately 85–90% of the 1,200–1,500 arrests made by the Jacksonville Beach Police Department each year involve individuals who do not reside in Jacksonville Beach. Because our community welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, we must have effective tools to identify and investigate criminal activity that enters or occurs within our city.
The FLOCK LPR system provides an additional layer of protection. Most of the cameras were strategically located near entrances and exits to establish a monitored perimeter around the city. Others were placed in the downtown area, with strong support from local business owners.
These cameras have proven valuable in both major and minor criminal investigations. They have also assisted our officers in addressing gang activity, drug activity, vehicle-related crimes, and other public safety concerns.
It is important to understand that LPR technology is not intended to replace police officers or serve as a substitute for good police work. It is a tool that helps our officers investigate crimes, identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, and develop leads more quickly.
We also recognize that the use of technology by government must be balanced with individual privacy and public trust. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is committed to using LPR technology responsibly, consistent with applicable laws, policies, and established procedures. The technology is a public safety investigative tool—not a license to conduct unrestricted surveillance of our community.
We will comply with the State of Florida’s order requiring the removal of LPR cameras located on state roadways. At the same time, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department will continue to use LPR technology in locations where it is legally permitted and appropriate to do so.
The City and the Police Department also recognize that public safety technology must continue to evolve. Any future changes to PSTEP will follow the same established legislative process that has guided its development from the beginning.
The Florida Sheriffs Association and Florida Police Chiefs Association recognize LPR technology as an important and effective tool for law enforcement, and we share that assessment based on our experience using it here in Jacksonville Beach.
Our responsibility is straightforward: to use every lawful, reasonable, and effective resource available to protect our community while maintaining the public’s trust.
I appreciate the continued partnership and support of the residents, businesses, and visitors of Jacksonville Beach. We will continue to be transparent about our public safety efforts and remain committed to providingthe professional, proactive, and community-focused police service that Jacksonville Beach deserves.
Gene Paul Smith
Chief of Police
Jacksonville Beach Police Department
