Another Flock camera torn down in Cape Coral as backlash grows

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Another Flock license plate reader has been vandalized in Cape Coral, adding to a growing debate over the cameras, privacy and how law enforcement uses the information they collect.

The newest camera was damaged near Viscaya Parkway and Southeast 24th Street.

Pictures from the Cape Coral Police Department show the camera and solar panel on the ground, with part of the equipment shattered.

It comes just weeks after two Flock cameras were damaged at Diplomat Parkway East and Santa Barbara Boulevard.

Cape Coral police say they are still investigating who damaged the newest camera.

At the site, an American flag now stands where the Flock camera used to sit. Nearby, a sign reads “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” a Latin phrase associated with opposition to tyranny.

Law enforcement agencies use the license plate readers to help investigate crimes, including finding stolen vehicles, tracking down suspects and locating missing people.

Robert, who lives nearby, told WINK News he supports the cameras and believes they make his family safer.

“I think they’re good for the people around here,” he said. “For the family. I got two kids.”

Michael Alexander sees both sides of the debate.

“If it can catch a criminal or something like that and keep someone off the street that can harm somebody, that would be great,” Alexander said. “At the same time, I don’t like invasion of privacy either, so I’m not exactly sure what the answer would be.”

Those privacy concerns have gained new attention as cases involving alleged misuse of Flock systems have surfaced.

Just this week in Florida, Haines City Police Officer Christopher Goodson was arrested, accused of using the Flock database to track his estranged wife’s vehicle hundreds of times.

Retired FBI agent Richard Kolko told WINK News that concerns about misuse are legitimate, but he also said the technology can provide investigators with valuable information.

“Not only do they give a license plate, but they give the type of car, the color, the model, even dents in the car or bumper stickers are in the car,” Kolko said. “Very helpful for police in law enforcement.”

The cameras have also faced pushback in other Florida communities.

In Palm Bay, officials suspended the city’s Flock camera system while reviewing concerns involving the cameras.

The debate has also played out through protests.

In St. Petersburg, Carl Gunn spent days sitting in front of Flock cameras and holding up a sign to block their view.

Cape Coral police told WINK News that Flock replaces damaged cameras, meaning the replacement does not come out of taxpayer money.

A department spokesperson did not know when the newest damaged camera would be back up and running.

Another Flock camera remains operating on the same street where the newest one was damaged.

The investigation into who damaged the camera remains ongoing.