The Renton Police Department is the latest department in Washington to install Flock camera license plate readers.
The Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reading (ALPR) cameras will help police investigate crimes. By joining a network of agencies, the camera will provide real-time notifications if a suspicious car is captured on camera.
The cameras can also send notifications if the car is associated with a missing person or Silver Alert.
The cameras will capture details of vehicles and their license plates, but not images of people or faces.
The Renton Police Department has installed 24 cameras.
“The Flock Safety system is a game changer that helps solve crime across the country, and now Renton will be part of that successful network,” said Chief Jon Schuldt. “Our officers will be able to quickly identify a potentially suspicious vehicle and its direction of travel almost immediately. This evidence often leads to a quicker arrest.”
Renton police said they have seen a 25% increase in stolen car recoveries over the past two years, with ALPRs fitted to patrol cars.
Highlighting the company’s statistics, Renton police emphasize that the technology can reduce crime by 10%.
