More police departments in the metroplex are upgrading measures to fight crime.
The Prosper Police Department has begun implementing a new high-tech camera system that will see 48 cameras placed around the city.
According to a press release, the new cameras, developed by Flock Safety, will capture real-time vehicle information and transmit it to law enforcement when a license plate associated with a stolen vehicle or wanted felon is detected.
The new cameras will also be capable of alerting law enforcement if they detect a vehicle associated with a missing person, Silver Alert, or Amber Alert, per the press release.
Officials clarified that the cameras will only be used in official operations, and no information will be accessible to third parties.
It is worth noting however that the City of Dallas was allegedly targeted by a ransomware attack recently, illustrating the risk that sensitive data can still get into the wrong hands.
“This camera system has proven to be an invaluable tool used by police departments in neighboring communities in their policing efforts,” said Doug Kowalski, chief of the PPD, in the release.
The Plano City Council recently approved the placement of 50 new license plate cameras from Motorola around the city in an effort to reduce crime, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
“Cameras in the Town of Prosper are solely used for tracking vehicle information related to criminal behavior. Data from these cameras will only be available to law enforcement officials,” Kowalski said.
The press release stressed that the cameras will only be deployed to track vehicle information “related to criminal activities. The cameras are not intended for minor traffic or parking violations.”
Officials will place these Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras at intersections and thoroughfares around the town.
ALPR cameras have already succeeded in reducing crime in thousands of cities and towns, with over 2,000 police departments across the nation employing these cameras, according to the release.
“The Town of Prosper is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community using the finest technology available,” said David Bristol, mayor of Prosper, in the release. “These cameras will further equip Prosper Police in keeping our Town safe and bring guilty parties to justice.”
