New camera technology in Louisville could help LMPD tackle violent crime
The Louisville Metro Police Department recently began installing a camera system throughout the city that has the ability to track down and narrow in on suspects in mere seconds."This technology really is going to be a game-changer in investigating violent crimes, solving violent crime, and reducing violent crime," LMPD Major Emily McKinley told WLKY.The Flock Camera System records license plates and images of passing cars in real-time, transmitting them to officers' phones and computers. So far, there are more than a dozen cameras throughout Metro Louisville.The plan is to install more than 100 cameras in the coming six weeks, not just along city blocks but near busy interstates.More in LMPD efforts: Chief Shields says LMPD finding 'disturbing' patterns in gun violence, still focusing on reforms"An Amber Alert vehicle passes one of these cameras, an alert will go directly to officers and alert them of the location. This vehicle just passed this intersection and then give us a picture of the vehicle so we'll know exactly where and we'll be able to know who is in the car," McKinley said.She said just hours after the first install, a stolen car was tracked down and multiple arrests were made. McKinley promises that is only the beginning."Hopefully, in the next couple months, we'll be completely trained, everything will be installed and we'll have some more success stories," she said.The cameras cost about $2,500 each year to operate. The department hopes to have the remaining cameras installed once Thunder and Derby festivities wind down.
The Louisville Metro Police Department recently began installing a camera system throughout the city that has the ability to track down and narrow in on suspects in mere seconds.
"This technology really is going to be a game-changer in investigating violent crimes, solving violent crime, and reducing violent crime," LMPD Major Emily McKinley told WLKY.
The Flock Camera System records license plates and images of passing cars in real-time, transmitting them to officers' phones and computers. So far, there are more than a dozen cameras throughout Metro Louisville.
The plan is to install more than 100 cameras in the coming six weeks, not just along city blocks but near busy interstates.
More in LMPD efforts: Chief Shields says LMPD finding 'disturbing' patterns in gun violence, still focusing on reforms
"An Amber Alert vehicle passes one of these cameras, an alert will go directly to officers and alert them of the location. This vehicle just passed this intersection and then give us a picture of the vehicle so we'll know exactly where and we'll be able to know who is in the car," McKinley said.
She said just hours after the first install, a stolen car was tracked down and multiple arrests were made. McKinley promises that is only the beginning.
"Hopefully, in the next couple months, we'll be completely trained, everything will be installed and we'll have some more success stories," she said.
The cameras cost about $2,500 each year to operate. The department hopes to have the remaining cameras installed once Thunder and Derby festivities wind down.
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