South San Francisco officials announced that the city has launched an automatic license plate recognition program with 28 solar-powered cameras installed in key public places to help solve the rise in hotel corridor property crime.
“The use of this technology has already proven to be a game changer in the fight against crime and a valuable tool for our officers to solve otherwise difficult cases,” said Police Commissioner Scott Campbell in a press release. “The safety of our residents and visitors is of the utmost importance, and investing in this program demonstrates our commitment to keeping South San Francisco a safe place.”
The cameras are being built by Flock Safety, a public safety technology company that helps neighborhoods, communities and law enforcement agencies work together to fight crime. Flock Safety’s ALPR cameras help law enforcement investigate crimes by providing objective evidence — license plates and vehicle characteristics, the city says.
The South San Francisco Police Department will maintain an updated policy on use of the ALPR system. Every search requires a justification and the data is never sold or shared with third parties. The cameras are designed to investigate and reduce property and violent crime and are not intended for minor traffic or parking violations, according to the city.
Flock Safety cameras are deployed in more than 2,000 cities in 40 states and the company works with thousands of law enforcement agencies. According to the city, law enforcement agencies have reported up to a 70% reduction in crime in their communities through the use of flock safety.
