Updated Story: Carrollton Police Department Amps Up Security With New Camera Program
Carrollton Police initiates camera surveillance program with debated service provider
The Carrollton Police Department is taking community safety to the next level with the launch of a cutting-edge initiative, Carrollton Safe, for residents to voluntarily contribute their personal security camera footage. Partnership between the police department and private vendor Flock Safety, this strategic move allows for improved crime-solving and enhanced public safety.
"Integrating residents' camera systems will exponentially boost our investigators' and crime scene technicians' efficiency," shares Carrollton Assistant Police Chief Caleb West.
Year's worth of voluntary camera registry submissions have already proven resourceful for the department in resolving various crimes, including murders. The new video integration option is a "game-changer," according to West.
To clarify concerns regarding privacy, Flock Safety ensures that their temporary retention period for the footage is confined to no more than 30 days. This measure aims to minimize potential privacy infringements by enabling residents to keep control over their camera footage.
Echoing these sentiments, Connor Metz, a spokesperson for Flock Safety, addresses the hesitations of certain communities:
"Anxious citizens may worry about past police surveillance, but Flock Safety guarantees we won't be tracing individuals' movements longer than necessary."
Regrettably, the company has faced criticism for illicitly installing cameras on public properties in cities like Fort Worth without obtaining prior city approval. The city of Norfolk, Virginia, recently sued Flock Safety, claiming the company's license plate reader technology enabled invading the privacy of city drivers [3].
However, Carrollton PD expresses unwavering confidence in Flock Safety's technology, combining it with their precision license plate recognition system. They are well-aware of all cameras placed on Carrollton city properties, emphasizing their commitment to both transparency and privacy concerns shared by every citizen.
Meanwhile, police officers are restricted from accessing the camera feed without a legitimate purpose. All interactions with the footage are recorded, logged, and documented for accountability [1].
Curious about local developments? Drop Priscilla Rice, KERA's communities reporter, an email at [email protected].
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[1] https://www.dallasnews.com/news/community/2023/08/23/dallas-area-police-departments-are-using-tech-that-monitors-your-every-move/[2] https://flocksafety.com/privacy/[3] https://www.brightkite.com/places/norfolk-virginia-united-states/articles/7381748698[4] https://www.kera.org/give
- The Carrollton Police Department, in partnership with Flock Safety, is using the Carrollton Safe initiative to integrate residents' personal security camera footage for crime-solving purposes.
- Assistant Police Chief Caleb West believes that integrating residents' camera systems will significantly improve the efficiency of investigators and crime scene technicians.
- Flock Safety ensures that the temporary retention period for the footage is confined to no more than 30 days to minimize potential privacy infringements.
- Carrollton PD states that they are aware of all cameras placed on Carrollton city properties, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and privacy concerns shared by every citizen.
