The City of Sarasota's Regular City Commission Meeting on January 6, 2025, focused on the ongoing use and implications of license plate readers (LPR) by the Sarasota Police Department. The meeting addressed public concerns regarding privacy and civil liberties associated with the technology.

Captain Dimitri Constantopoulos of the Sarasota Police Department emphasized that the LPR system is designed to uphold constitutional rights and is strictly used for law enforcement purposes. He clarified that the cameras only capture images of vehicles and license plates, not individuals, and are deployed in public spaces. The department has utilized LPR technology since 2008, with 35 stationary units currently in operation.

Concerns raised by a community member regarding potential violations of privacy were met with assurances from police officials. They stated that the system is not used for tracking individuals but rather for solving crimes after they occur. The data collected is retained for one year, in compliance with state regulations, and there have been no reported data breaches.

Commissioner Erin Koch highlighted the effectiveness of the LPR system in regional crime-solving efforts, noting its collaborative use with neighboring jurisdictions. The police department reported successful apprehensions of suspects using this technology, reinforcing its value as a critical investigative tool.

The commission unanimously approved the continuation of the LPR operating system contract with Flock, the company providing the technology. The meeting also included discussions on budget amendments and land use changes, but the primary focus remained on the implications of the LPR system for community safety and privacy.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Sarasota Police Department's commitment to transparency and community engagement regarding the use of surveillance technology in law enforcement.