To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Tyler S. Brown, Sheriff
Prepared By:
prepared
Captain Travis Stewart
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Subject:
title
FLOCK Mobile License Plate Reader Camera
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The Sheriff’s Office requests that the Board of County Commissioners sign the two-year trial period agreement to implement a mobile “Flock” license plate reader camera system.
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Background and Discussion: Through the COMPSTAT process, the Sheriff’s Office is routinely able to identify areas of sporadic crimes that, with the right technology, could be swiftly dealt with. Without this technology, we are forced to use staff time for surveillance. This takes investigators away from their primary duties and does not always ensure a successful outcome. The purpose of the Flock license plate reader camera system is to be able to deploy a mobile license plate reader into high crime areas that do not otherwise have plate reader capabilities. This would allow investigators to then research the plates that where in/through an area in and around the time of an incident and pursue any leads that arise. This keeps resources focused on individuals who were in the area at the time of the incident in question. The cameras utilize solar power and LTE connectivity for wireless connection and has the technology to look at color, make, model and special features like roof racks.
Many times, the Sheriff’s Office gets a report of criminal activity with the suspect vehicle being described but no license plate is given. With no searchable information, the Investigation ends before it begins. It is our belief, from testimonials of other law enforcement agencies (Castle Rock PD, Douglas County SO) that we would enhance our investigative efforts by utilizing information captured by a mobile Flock camera system. The information being captured is readily available in the public domain and does not invade privacy of an individual. The information being captured is from a vehicle being operated on a public roadway.
The County is already in an agreement with FLOCK for a pilot program using stationary cameras, which the Board approved in December 2021. The mobile camera would provide additional visibility in areas not covered by the stationary cameras and is separate program and agreement. This agreement would start as soon as the contract is signed, and payment is made.
Alternatives: The alternative to is to not participate in the agreement and not have the ability to enhance crime fighting / solving strategies. This will require the agency to rely on investigative staff for surveillance and monitoring.
Fiscal Impact: Each year of the two-year agreement for the mobile camera is $3000.00. The funds will be paid out of the Sheriff’s Office budget. After the two-year agreement, the camera’s use and effectiveness will be assessed by the Investigations Section Captain and Special Investigations Unit Commander to determine if the contract should be renewed or allowed to expire.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☐Be community focused
Concurrence: Sheriff Tyler Brown; Bureau Chief Glenn Thompson; Tiffanie Bleau - County Attorney’s Office
Resolution: Attached is a copy of the draft resolution.