IRMO – Following the Town of Irmo’s recent announcement that it will expand its Flock Safety camera network from 11 to 33 locations, town officials are responding to questions and addressing misconceptions about how the system operates.
According to the Irmo Police Department, the cameras are designed to capture images of the rear of vehicles, read license plates, and document vehicle characteristics to assist with criminal investigations. Officials emphasized that the cameras do not use facial recognition technology and are not intended to identify drivers or passengers.
The cameras are strategically positioned at major entry and exit points throughout the town and are used as investigative tools to help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to criminal activity. Police say the system is primarily used in investigations involving stolen vehicles, missing persons, kidnappings, violent crimes, burglaries, and other serious offenses.
Town officials said the existing camera network has already assisted investigators by helping recover stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and generate leads in numerous criminal cases. Expanding the network will provide additional coverage at key access points throughout Irmo.
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale said the technology gives officers another tool to protect the community.
“If a child is abducted, a violent criminal flees our town, or a family is desperately waiting for answers after a loved one goes missing, I never want to look them in the eye and say, ‘We could have used technology that might have helped, but we chose not to,'” Dale said.
The chief added that the department’s goal is not to monitor the daily activities of law-abiding citizens, but to use lawful technology to help solve crimes, locate victims, and apprehend suspects.
The department also addressed several common misconceptions about the system:
- Myth: The town is tracking everyone’s movements.
Fact: Police say the cameras are located at key entry and exit points and are used only to identify vehicles associated with criminal investigations, not to monitor the daily activities of residents. - Myth: The cameras use facial recognition.
Fact: According to the department, the cameras do not employ facial recognition technology. They capture license plates and vehicle characteristics only. - Myth: The system is intended for government surveillance.
Fact: Police say the camera network is used solely as a public safety tool to assist in locating stolen vehicles, finding missing persons, identifying suspects, and providing investigative leads.
Town officials said they recognize that residents may have questions about privacy whenever new technology is introduced and emphasized their commitment to transparency. Anyone seeking additional information is encouraged to contact the Irmo Police Department at 803-781-8088.
