By 1808Delaware
The City of Powell will host two public meetings to present and discuss Flock safety camera technology, a license plate reader system that alerts local law enforcement when a vehicle of interest—such as a stolen car or one registered to a wanted individual—enters the city. As of now, Powell has eight Flock cameras in operation, with plans to increase that number to ten in the coming months. The system, introduced earlier this summer, is already making a positive impact by assisting police in solving crimes.
Community Engagement and Crime-Fighting Technology
The upcoming meetings will provide residents with a chance to learn more about the system and voice any concerns. Powell’s Chief of Police, Ron Sallows, emphasized the importance of community input in a statement: “Flock cameras are a powerful tool for law enforcement. They multiply our ability to quickly gather information, producing leads for investigations and alerting patrol to potential crimes in progress.”
These cameras are strategically placed at major entry points to the city, offering round-the-clock monitoring of vehicle activity. Flock’s Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) capture detailed information such as the make, model, color, and even unique vehicle identifiers like bumper stickers and decals. The company’s proprietary “Vehicle Fingerprint” technology compiles this data into a searchable cloud-based platform, accessible to police departments nationwide.
Aiding Investigations Without Intruding on Privacy
Unlike some surveillance tools, Flock cameras do not record identifiable images of individuals or use facial recognition technology. Their primary function is to collect objective vehicle data, which can be critical in solving crimes. For example, police departments can search the database to find vehicles that match a description from a crime scene.
This system is not unique to Powell. Other Central Ohio cities—including Bexley, Columbus, Dublin, and Westerville—have also implemented Flock cameras to help reduce crime.
Public Information Sessions
The City of Powell will host two information sessions to explain the benefits of the Flock camera system and address any questions from the public. These meetings will take place at the Powell Police Department, 47 Hall Street, on the following dates:
- 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2024
- 6:30 PM on Thursday, October 3, 2024
The police department encourages residents to RSVP for the presentations to ensure a productive discussion about this technology and its role in enhancing community safety.
Attendees can RSVP for the presentations.
Source: City of Powell; Photo: Creative Commons License
