City officials confirmed Monday that the FLOCK program, which uses automated license plate readers to track vehicles, has been suspended pending a review of its permitting process. The move comes after a state audit flagged potential discrepancies in how the system was approved under Brevard County’s public safety guidelines. 'We take compliance seriously,' said City Manager Lisa Torres during a brief news conference. 'This suspension allows us to address any gaps before resuming operations.'
The FLOCK system, deployed in 2022, was initially praised for its role in recovering stolen vehicles and identifying traffic violators. However, the audit raised concerns about whether the city obtained proper permits for the cameras’ installation and data retention practices. Records show the program was approved by the Brevard County Commission in 2021, but officials are now re-examining whether that approval covered all aspects of the system’s operation.
Residents have mixed reactions. Maria Gonzalez, a Palm Bay resident, said she supports the program’s safety benefits but wants transparency. 'I trust the police, but I need to know how my data is used,' she said. Meanwhile, privacy advocates have called for a full overhaul of the system. 'This is a warning sign about how local governments handle surveillance technology,' said Ethan Cole of the Brevard Civil Liberties Union.
The city has not yet determined how long the suspension will last. Police Chief David Ramirez said officers are working to resolve the permitting issues but declined to comment on specific changes to the program. The FLOCK system’s data is currently being stored in a secure server, though officials said no information has been shared with external entities since the suspension began.
The suspension adds pressure on city leaders as Brevard County debates broader legislation on surveillance technology. A proposed bill in the county’s legislative agenda would require stricter oversight for programs like FLOCK. City Council members are scheduled to discuss the issue at a meeting next week, with Torres emphasizing that the review will inform any future decisions about the program.