City of Palm Bay to Resume FLOCK Camera Operations Following Completion of Permitting Review

The City of Palm Bay will begin returning its FLOCK automated license plate reader (LPR) camera system to service following the completion of a review of the permitting and installation of camera locations within the City.

The City suspended use of the FLOCK system after it was determined that required final inspections had not been requested following installation of the cameras. The suspension was initiated to allow City staff to verify that each camera had been installed in accordance with approved plans and City right-of-way permitting requirements.

Since that time, FLOCK Safety has requested final inspections for all camera locations. City of Palm Bay Public Works staff completed the inspections and confirmed that the cameras were installed correctly. The permits have now received final approval, and FLOCK Safety is in compliance with the City's right-of-way permitting requirements.

With the permitting issue resolved, the City will begin gradually removing the coverings from the cameras and returning the system to operation.

"LPR's were taken offline as an administrative action pending a permitting review," said City Manager Matthew Morton. We have now verified each location, corrected the issue, and confirmed that the installations meet City requirements. With the permitting process complete, there is no longer a permitting basis to keep the system offline."

"When questions were raised, we did not ignore them. We stopped the system, reviewed the facts, and made sure the proper requirements were met," Mayor Medina said. "This was not about abandoning a public safety tool. It was about accountability and ensuring that our own policies and permitting standards were being followed. Those issues have now been addressed and rectified, and we can move forward knowing the City took the appropriate steps to protect both public trust and public safety."

The City will continue to maintain policies, training, oversight, and auditing requirements governing access to and use of the FLOCK system.