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Commission approves license agreement to place license‑plate readers on private property; downtown camera network now operational
Summary
Delray Beach commissioners approved a license agreement enabling placement of license‑plate readers and other cameras on private property; police said phase 1 of a downtown camera rollout is complete and the new systems connect to a real‑time crime center funded in part by federal grants and local partners.
The Delray Beach City Commission approved a license agreement that allows the police department to place license‑plate readers (LPRs) and cameras on private properties as part of a broader effort to expand a real‑time crime center and public‑safety surveillance infrastructure.
Chief Ross Major told the commission the department secured approximately $964,000 in federal grant funding to purchase LPRs and closed‑circuit cameras and to build supporting infrastructure. He and Captain Gary Forey said the program’s first phase of downtown camera installations is complete, with cameras integrated into a real‑time crime center that the department uses to provide “Overwatch” during special events and to assist investigations.
Captain Forey credited interdepartmental coordination and funding partners including the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Downtown Business Association (DBA) for making the downtown phase possible. Police said many camera locations are on city property but noted electrical and installation costs can be significant; the license agreement allows the department to partner with private property owners where appropriate to reduce installation time and expense.
Commissioners praised the effort as a public‑safety “force multiplier.” The commission approved the licensing agreement by unanimous vote; staff said the department will continue to seek outside grants and to work with city departments to expand placements and the crime‑center capability.
The commission did not adopt new policy limits for camera use during this item; police said normal oversight and applicable policies will guide operations. Staff also said subagreements with private property owners will be governed by the license agreement and applicable city privacy and retention policies.
