Local Cities Use Flock Cameras For Public Safety
Local law enforcement agencies in Vidalia, Lyons, and Soperton are using technology to enhance public safety and aid criminal investigations.
You may have passed by those black, solarpowered cameras placed throughout the cities and wondered, “What is that?” These cameras are Flock Safety License Plate Readers. The Flock Readers detect license plates and vehicles around the clock and allow for law enforcement to receive real-time alerts. Flock says the data these cameras collect includes License plate image, Vehicle image, Vehicle characteristics, License plate number, License Plate State, Date, Time and Location. This data can be searched by Flock customers in local, state, and federal law enforcement. This means that small police agencies can search a nationwide database of license plates and car profiles to search for a vehicle of interest.
The City of Vidalia has deployed thirty active cameras, with six located in school zones. Captain Garry Colson of the Vidalia Police Department explained that the six school zone cameras were installed at no cost to the city through a partnership with Redspeed, the company that provides those white boxes that autonomously monitor, and enforce the speed limit primarily in school zones. 'The City Council approved the first ten cameras, and the last fifteen were purchased using grant funds,' said Colson.
The City of Lyons operates ten Flock cameras, which Chief Wesley Walker describes as 'valuable technology that makes the city safer.' Walker stated, 'The cameras are used strictly for investigative purposes, not revenue generation.' Addressing a common question from residents, Chief Walker clarified, 'Flock cameras in the City of Lyons do not mail out citations; they are used only for investigative purposes.' Captain Geoffrey Parker added, 'The cameras help solve crimes we wouldn't be able to solve without them.' He also noted the cameras' role in Silver Alerts, allowing officers to locate missing elderly individuals and return them home safely.
The City of Soperton has two Flock cameras positioned in the school zone. Chief James Mills reported that these cameras were funded by increased school zone citations and through Redspeed, with no cost to local taxpayers.
Flock Safety, the company that makes license plate readers, states on its website, 'We exist to eliminate crime and keep your community safe' and 'we're the tech company eliminating crime.' The company claims “they benefit law enforcement by multiplying their force, expedite positive outcomes, and simplify operations.”
One common concern about Flock cameras is data security. According to Flock Safety’s website, all data is encrypted and stored and then deleted after 30 days for privacy and security purposes. The company states it will not share, sell, or access your data. Although each law enforcement agency has the option to share data with other agencies if needed.
