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Public distrust of automated license plate readers boiling over in St. Cloud
At least three cameras were damaged or stolen as police chiefs defend the technology and activists push to end local contracts.
- At least three license plate reader cameras in St. Cloud and Sartell, Minnesota, have been damaged or stolen since June as public frustration over the devices boils over into vandalism.
- St. Cloud and Sartell police chiefs defend the cameras as vital tools for locating missing children and stolen vehicles, while Communities Against Mass Surveillance member Jill Kelly argues the devices were installed without sufficient community input.
- An 18-year-old Sauk Rapids man faces a felony property damage charge and a $10,000 fine in connection with the St. Cloud vandalism; local agencies have limited data retention to 30 days instead of the state-allowed 60 days.
- St. Cloud Mayor Jake Anderson announced a September study session to address public concerns about the cameras, while similar vandalism has occurred in other Minnesota cities including Winona, Fairbault, Edina, and Duluth.
- Police Chief Jeff Oxton vowed to prosecute those responsible for damaging the equipment, maintaining that cameras remain essential for cross-referencing vehicle data with law enforcement 'hot lists' to locate stolen vehicles.
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Public distrust of automated license plate readers boiling over in St. Cloud
After the vandalism of cameras in the area, the St. Cloud City Council will hold a public study session in September.
·Cherokee County, United States
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Right
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
55% Right
C 45%
R 55%
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