OCOEE, Fla. – The city of Ocoee will expand its use of license plate reader (LPR) cameras to enhance public safety.
The city commission discussed a proposal Tuesday to add five new cameras at key intersections, increasing the total from 10 to 15.
The proposed locations for the new cameras include:
- Clarcona Ocoee Road and North Lakewood Avenue
- Clarcona Ocoee Road and Clarke Road
- Maguire Road and Tomyn Road
- Maguire Road and Old Winter Garden Road
- Franklin Street and State Road 429
The LPR cameras are designed to capture and process license plate information, aiding law enforcement in tracking vehicles linked to criminal activity. The expansion is part of a partnership with the sheriff’s office to bolster safety measures in the city.
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Former Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón emphasized the effectiveness of LPR cameras in crime prevention.
“License plate readers have proven to be a tool for crime deterrents,” Rolón said. “They’ve also been able to increase accuracy, the ability to process the tag that is being filtered through the system. It also increases officer and vehicle driver safety.”
While law enforcement sees the cameras as a valuable tool, some residents have expressed concerns about privacy and data security.
“That’s where I have mixed feelings about it,” said Martha, an Ocoee resident. “I can see that if they are looking for somebody in particular, it can help find them easily. But for everyday users, you’re exposing yourself every single time, and you don’t know where that information will be used later.”
Other communities have implemented similar technologies. Orange County approved funding for license plate readers to help address crime in high-risk areas, including Apopka, Zellwood, Lockhart, Rosemont, and Eatonville. Many residents in those areas have supported the initiative, citing improved safety.
