Naples expands license plate cameras, locals feel safer with new tech

Naples city leaders have approved an expansion of license plate reader cameras across the city. More than 50 new cameras will be installed, bringing the total to over 100.

Naples police have used this technology since 2015, emphasizing that data security has been a priority from the beginning.

 

A license plate reader is a camera with character recognition technology that scans license plates and compares them to records of criminal or suspicious activity.

 

For some residents, the expansion of this technology brings a sense of reassurance. "Safer, older adults feel safer," said Naples resident Nan Suffian.

 

Naples police said the system can alert officers in real time and can also be used to search for a vehicle by license plate number or description, including details like make, model, color, and other distinguishing features. The technology is used for a range of situations, from investigations and crime prevention to noncriminal cases such as missing or endangered persons.

 

Others support the cameras as long as they are used for public safety.

 

"I don’t have a problem with it. If you got nothing to hide, put up the cameras. I mean, they took down the red light cameras. I think that was a bad idea. I mean, people are running red lights like it’s no tomorrow. People passing school buses. If you got nothing to hide, what difference does it make," said Naples resident Steve Zihala.

 

"I don’t have any problems with it, really, if it’s being used for police work or helping society," said frequent visitor Michael Fluekiger.

 

Naples police stated they will not release where the license plate readers are located, as that information is protected under state law.