WPD to install license plate recognition system

During its Aug. 7 meeting, the Waxahachie City Council unanimously approved the installation of two Flock Safety cameras, which will serve as a license plate recognition system for the Waxahachie Police Department.

Chief of Police Joe Wiser said the installation, operation and maintenance will be of no cost to the city. The cameras, costing $2,500 each, were purchased by a grant from Walmart Inc. Along with the initial purchase of the cameras, Walmart will cover the $5,500 annual subscription cost to operate the cameras, Wiser said.

“The camera system is designed to assist law enforcement in detecting crimes by recording vehicle information related to license plates, color, make and model,” the city staff report reads. “(The system) “utilizes cutting edge technology and will be linked to other law enforcement departments in our region.”

Wiser said other cities and even HOAs have found the camera system useful. According to Flock Safety’s website, Wichita’s police department saw 56 stolen plates recovered, $1.2 million stolen property recovered, 121 arrests made and 16 firearms seized after two months of installation.

Council member Patrick Souter asked Wiser to clarify if the cameras are only used when there is probable cause.

“They will not be used for monitoring traffic violations such as the failure to stop at red lights,” Wiser said. “They will however provide search capabilities to law enforcement personnel related to possible suspect vehicles. … The camera system will be linked to police agencies throughout our region as well as other Texas police entities. Our agency will be able to share information gathered in our jurisdiction related to suspect vehicles with those other entities, and we will also be able to receive information related to suspect vehicles captured on video in their respective jurisdictions.”

Council member Chris Wright asked if Amber Alerts are an example of when the cameras would be used, and Wiser said yes.

“Even if you don’t have a complete plate or no plate at all, if you have enough of a description, these cameras are able to search by those descriptions – pretty amazing,” Wiser said.

To install the cameras in the areas of North U.S. Highway 77 and U.S Highway 287, the WPD must enter into a multiple use agreement with TxDOT.

For information about Flock Safety, visit https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-cameras.

Originally published August 10, 2023 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/news/local/wpd-to-install-license-plate-recognition-system/article_2c71db70-37fd-11ee-9700-936eefc416d3.html