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Boynton Beach tables expansion of license-plate readers and cameras amid privacy and funding concerns
Summary
After public pushback and commissioners’ questions about privacy, data access, legal risk and reliance on camera-fee revenue, the City Commission voted 4–1 to table a proposed expansion of license-plate readers, cameras and shot‑detection technology (item 7G) until April 2 so staff and legal can provide more information.
The Boynton Beach City Commission on March 23 tabled a proposal to expand the city’s camera and license‑plate reader network, pausing a planned multi‑year package after residents and several commissioners raised privacy, oversight and funding questions.
Public Safety Director John Bonnford and Assistant Chief Cotz presented the proposal — described as a “Safe City” package — that would increase the number of Flock license‑plate readers, add fixed Flock cameras, expand shot‑detection coverage, upgrade drone response capability and add mobile trailers. Assistant Chief Cotz said the department has used similar technology for about three years and argued an expanded deployment would be a “force multiplier” to supplement staffing and speed investigations.
Supporters on the dais and in the audience pointed to recent cases they said were solved with help from LPRs,…
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