Three license plate cameras vandalized in Southold amid privacy concerns
Police say the devices help investigate crimes, recover stolen vehicles and locate missing people by capturing license plate information from passing vehicles. Residents opposed to the technology argue the cameras amount to government surveillance.
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Three automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras were vandalized in the Town of Southold over the Fourth of July weekend, highlighting an ongoing debate over public safety and personal privacy.
The damaged cameras, manufactured by Flock Safety, are part of a network of 11 license plate readers installed throughout Southold. Police say the devices help investigate crimes, recover stolen vehicles and locate missing people by capturing license plate information from passing vehicles.
Residents opposed to the technology argue the cameras amount to government surveillance.
"I don't think they should be in our community. It's an invasion of privacy," said Greenport resident Joseph Owens.
According to Southold police, one camera in Greenport had its wires ripped out, while two others in Greenport and East Marion were splashed with paint. On Monday, one of those cameras was destroyed after it was knocked down and run over by a vehicle.
Police Chief Steven Grattan acknowledged that some residents have concerns about the technology but condemned the vandalism.
"I understand that folks have concerns about these and questions about them, and that topic shouldn't be dismissed," Grattan said. "I would say there are more responsible and constructive ways to express your frustration."
Grattan said the cameras have played a key role in solving criminal investigations and helped locate a missing woman who was ultimately found in Maryland. He described the system as "incredibly effective" in improving public safety.
Southold is one of many Long Island communities using Flock Safety's camera system. The locations of many ALPR cameras are publicly mapped on the website DeFlock, which tracks surveillance technology across the country.
Privacy advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have called on governments to end their contracts with Flock Safety, arguing that widespread license plate surveillance threatens civil liberties.
Flock Safety says the system is designed to protect privacy by deleting collected data after 30 days.
So far no arrests had been made in connection with the vandalism. Flock Safety did not respond to a request for comment.
