County considers license plate readers

County Commissioners and Sheriff Travis Babcock heard a presentation from Flock Safety regarding a camera surveillance system for Young County that could read and track license plates to help law enforcement track down criminals.

“The presentation was fascinating and highlighted many clear benefits for law enforcement and citizen safety,” Judge Graham said. “However, the system is also very expensive. I plan to discuss this system with the various mayors and explore grant opportunities that could help reduce the costs.”

The License Plate Reader (LPR) system would place a few dozen cameras across County roadways, Sheriff Babcock said.

Flock Safety provides license plate reader (LPR) cameras that capture vehicle data, including license plates and vehicle details, to help law enforcement solve and prevent crimes, the company’s website says. These cameras can be used by neighborhoods, businesses, and law enforcement agencies, it says.

The cameras capture images of license plates and vehicles, including make, model, color, and customizations, and can automatically alert law enforcement if a wanted vehicle or license plate is detected, the website says.

“It helps with catching people,” Sheriff Babcock said. “If you have their license plate number … with kidnappings, murders, anyone who broke the law, we can catch them.| The Sheriff ’s Department is looking to place the cameras on major thoroughfares but also within the City’s of Olney and Graham, if the County can secure funding.

Sheriff Babcock said the company will help the County apply for grant funding to cover some of the costs.