The pros and cons of FLOCK cameras have recently gone viral across the country portraying misinformation and misleading accounts about abuse and overreach of law enforcement. License plate reader cameras have one purpose and that is to read the license plate on the back of a vehicle and take it’s picture. Job done. They recognize plates that may belong to stolen vehicles allowing a first responder to be there in minutes. Unusual activities near the camera can be reported. Suspects can be identified through their vehicles registrations. The list of effective and preventive measures that the cameras provide is a long one. Abuse of FLOCK cameras is quite short and is only exaggerated in the media.
We read about abuse in our schools, businesses, civil groups, government and law enforcement. The fact that we read about them means they were identified and brought to a conclusion. Same goes for traffic cameras.
The need for LPR cameras shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who relies on our roads and highways to navigate on a daily basis. And the need to have more of them is not only a good idea but makes perfect sense. Irmo has used eleven of them for nearly five years and now want to expand to cover all entrances and exits to the town limits.
Irmo is not plagued with rampant crime but there is a need to be vigilant and hyper aware in our community. Crime is everywhere and though at times it goes unnoticed and unreported, rest assured, it is always there.
If someone is attacked, threatened, robbed or any other assorted crime inflicted on their well being they won’t cry about civil liberties being violated if a FLOCK camera happens to be used in the investigation. Face it. Any of us would want an immediate and decisive response to our dilemma.
License plate readers can help with that. They only see the back of the vehicle. No magic here. They can’t see faces. Can’t see how many people are in the car. Can’t see if they are breaking a law inside of the vehicle. Don’t know what color the driver’s skin is. But they can alert officers to a stolen vehicle, vehicle wanted in connection with a commission of a crime, negligent driving, kidnapping and anything that is related to a crime where a vehicle may have been involved.
FLOCK cameras allow first responders and law enforcement to utilize a vital visual tool in the safety and protection of their citizens.
Many FLOCK camera opponents already have Ring cameras on their doorsteps. Why? For protection and safety. FLOCK cameras allow the most qualified agencies to provide better safety and protection instead of relying on yourself or neighbor.
These are a few actual examples of police officers making immediate and decisive responses thanks to the help of Flock cameras already installed in the Irmo town limits.
An IPD officer located and arrested a shoplifting suspect driving a Uhaul box truck by using the FLOCK cameras. “I was able to locate the vehicle on a nearby FLOCK camera. Found the vehicle was associated with multiple shoplifting incidents around South Carolina and North Carolina involving the suspect. Suspect charged with an enhanced shoplifting offense.“
Another officer arrested a suspect after the vehicle was photographed. “I was able to locate the vehicle on FLOCK cameras multiple times coming into the victim’s neighborhood (New Friarsgate) and determine that he was surveilling the victim. Suspect was charged with Harassment 1st degree and pled guilty to this charge last year.”
A peeping tom was identified through his vehicle. “After I developed a suspect and determined what vehicle he used, I was able to locate FLOCK hits of the vehicle from the day of the incident. I was able to confirm distinct characteristics of the vehicle, but I could also see the distinct green hoodie that the suspect was wearing during the incident. Suspect was charged with peeping tom and plead guilty last year.”
An officer located and arrested a suspect for Financial Identity Fraud, Bank Fraud and Forgery.
“After developing a potential suspect and learning he was from out of state (NY), checked nearby FLOCK cameras for out-of-state tags, and was able to locate the listed tag. A search of all FLOCK hits for the tag showed the vehicle in other locations where similar incidents occurred. 3 warrants were issued and due to the number of charges he has for this same kind of incident (multi state), the case is getting adopted federally.”
Attempted murder charges were brought against another suspect. “Once I had a potential suspect and his vehicle (grey Nissan with damage to the (front), I was able to find the vehicle in FLOCK coming into the neighborhood just prior to the incident. Suspect was charged with 3 counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Plead guilty this year to ABHAN and pointing and presenting a firearm. Suspect received a five year sentence.”
Kirk Luther
Publisher
Your Old Fashioned Community Newspapers
The New Irmo News, Lake Murray News, Cayce West Columbia News, Northeast News, The New Chapin News
803-772-7506
