City leaders in Holmes Beach have approved the final step in funding for license plate readers.
They’ll install the technology at five locations throughout the island.
"The only time an officer is going to get an alert on you is if your car is stolen or you are wanted,” said Chief William Tokajer.
Other municipalities, including Longboat Key are already using the technology. Investigators said the technology helped them solve a 2017 double homicide.
"Everywhere you drive now you are going by a license plate reader. When you do pay by plate that's a reader, when you go over the Skyway there's a reader,” said Tokajer.
Some residents complained during city commission meetings that the technology is an invasion of privacy.
“We are not going to track your comings and goings, you should only worry if you are wanted,” said Tokajer.
Tokajer said they plan to install the license plate readers in January.
