LINCOLNTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of installing 30 license plate recognition (LPR) cameras across the county in the name of reducing serious crime. The Flock Safety cameras are contracted using drug asset seizure funds, rather than tax dollars.
These cameras send a real-time alert to law enforcement when a stolen car or known wanted suspect of felony crime from a state or national crime database is detected. They also send alerts for a tag number connected with a missing person Amber or Silver Alert.
Nationally, communities using the technology report a 70 percent reduction in crime.
These cameras are license plates readers, taking still photos; they will not record video. The sheriff says they will not be used for stoplight, stop sign violations or any traffic infractions or misdemeanors. They also cannot be used for vehicle accidents.
Data collected by the cameras are only stored for 30 days. Only administration ranking officers investigating a felony crime or missing person will have access to the system.
Many homeowner associations or private businesses have installed Flock cameras on their property. The sheriff’s office says it has already had success with its own Flock cameras, reportedly aiding in solving a multi-jurisdiction breaking-and-entering case this week.
The Gastonia Police Department utilized 21 Flock cameras as of November, and was preparing to acquire more via a grant for its real-time crime center.
“I think really it’s more of a deterrent,” said Gastonia resident Danny Hurst told QCN in November. “People see the cameras out, they’re less likely to do stuff.”
