Flock cameras: useful crime tool or privacy risk?

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—License plate readers are sparking debate across Florida as law enforcement touts their crime-fighting capabilities while critics raise privacy concerns.

The cameras, commonly called Flock cameras, capture information about vehicles including license plate, make, model and standout features like dents. Law enforcement says they are a key tool for tracking down suspects.

Last week, deputies say the cameras helped them find a kidnapped teenager in Ocala.

In Polk County, the cameras led to a deadly shooting after Sheriff Grady Judd says license plate readers helped deputies find a suspect with an outstanding probation violation.

Judd says the suspect rammed deputies' cars and pulled out a stolen gun, leading deputies to open fire and killing the man.

Back in Cape Coral, two cameras were removed from the intersection of Diplomat Pkwy. and Santa Barbara last week as part of a nationwide trend.

Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore spoke about the cameras on 92-5 FOX.

"I have a very limited number of people who have access to the system, and you have to be trained if you use it correctly, it's a fantastic tool. If you misuse it, that's an abuse and abuses will be handled," Sizemore said.

Meanwhile, a St. Petersburg man is making national news by blocking license plate readers around his city.

Critics say the cameras are an invasion of privacy that can be abused, while law enforcement continues to defend them as a necessary public safety tool.