The City of Powell began using flock cameras earlier in 2024 to help solve crime.
The Automated License Plate Readers monitor coverage areas 24/7, providing detailed information about vehicles that pass by, such as the make, model, color, decals, bumper stickers and more to create the company’s trademark “Vehicle Fingerprint.” These “fingerprints” are compiled in a cloud-based platform, along with the fingerprints developed from cameras, both private and public, installed throughout the country, to create a searchable database that police departments can access at any time. Departments can search vehicles by these characteristics to connect information provided at a crime scene to a specific vehicle.
The system does not record identifiable images of people or use facial recognition technology or capture vehicle speeds. Instead, it focuses on providing objective evidence to aid in criminal investigations.
Flock cameras are not new to Central Ohio. Neighboring cities including Bexley, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard, New Albany, Plain City, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington are already using them to fight crime.
The ten flock cameras in Powell are located at major entry points to the city.