The Norfolk City Council has granted approval for Boyd Gaming’s initiative to deploy automatic license plate recognition cameras around the location intended for its new casino.

On Tuesday, council members voted in favor of an ordinance permitting the installation of Flock Safety cameras and mobile camera trailers at eight designated spots close to the casino and Harbor Park, as reported by the Virginian-Pilot.

City documentation indicates that the plan includes the installation of 11 fixed license plate readers along Park and Lovitt avenues, with four mobile units positioned near parking areas along Park Avenue, Lovitt Avenue, Clay Avenue, and Interstate 264.

Council approval was required for only a portion of the cameras since some would intrude on the public right-of-way.

The Norfolk Police Department is currently utilizing over 170 Flock cameras throughout the city. These devices capture images of passing vehicles, recording the license plate number, make, body style, and color. This data is temporarily stored in the cloud and accessible to law enforcement agencies.

Authorities assert that this system significantly aids in crime resolution. However, privacy advocates contend that it facilitates warrantless surveillance, infringing on Fourth Amendment rights. A panel from the Virginia Court of Appeals recently ruled that drivers do not hold a reasonable expectation of privacy on public roads, overturning a prior ruling in a case presented by residents from Hampton Roads.