Sheriff Chitwood's statement on discontinuation of VSO LPRs

Date Added: August 31, 2026 4:32 pm

Effective immediately, we are shutting down License Plate Readers in Volusia County.

This is not a decision I take lightly. LPRs have helped us solve violent crimes, saved lives, found missing people, and recovered stolen property.

However, recent orders and statements from our Governor and Department of Transportation have made it clear that LPRs are no longer workable in Florida.

Recently, they have come under intense criticism. Some of that criticism is based on legitimate concerns about privacy, technology, and data sharing. In my opinion, a lot of the criticism has been based on half truths, outright lies, and bad actors who have destroyed a valuable tool for the rest of us.

LPRs helped us catch a home invader from Atlanta who shot 2 people in their bed at 3 a.m. in Deltona, then fled to Detroit. We have arrested murderers, armed robbers, burglars, road-rage shooters, hit-and-run drivers, sex offenders and child predators, all thanks to LPR data. They helped us recover missing and endangered children, seniors, even stolen horses before they could be harmed.

The LPR has been an incredible tool for public safety. But until we have clarity, guidance and a legal framework from the Florida Legislature regarding this technology, it’s no longer a tool we can use.

Make no mistake, there will be an impact on crime and public safety. I’m sure there are criminals who will be celebrating this post along with the critics. I still hold out hope that our lawmakers can reach a consensus on LPR guardrails, regulations and accountability measures that protect individual rights while preserving a resource that solves crime and saves lives.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood