JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- The rapid expansion of River Ridge Commerce Center is driving economic growth in Jeffersonville, but it's also placing increasing demands on local law enforcement.
Jeffersonville’s population now exceeds 50,000 and nearly doubles during the day as thousands of workers flood into the city. This year, officers responded to more than 1,100 calls in the River Ridge industrial park, which is managed by the River Ridge Reuse Authority.
Jeffersonville Assistant Police Chief Michael McVoy said the industrial hub faces many of the same challenges as a residential neighborhood.
"Noticeably, our runs have increased," McVoy said. "That can be anything from traffic accident responses, officers self-initiating traffic enforcement, and alarms."
To address the surge, Jeffersonville Police are proposing the use of Flock cameras, which use license plate recognition technology to streamline investigations and reduce response times.
"Flock would reduce manpower hours in investigations, it would reduce the randomization of traffic stops, and it would cut down on a lot of the time we would spend searching for a vehicle," McVoy said.
River Ridge continues to attract major companies, including Facebook parent company META, which is developing a 600-acre site in the area. The facility is expected to employ 80 people once completed in 2026.
"With the construction that’s taking place right now, we expect in about two years to have an additional 2,300 jobs," said Wendy Dant Chesser, a representative for River Ridge.
Safety is a top priority as businesses and workers continue to flock to the area. River Ridge has already allocated five acres for a city fire department and is discussing plans for a police substation. Until then, Jeffersonville Police officials hope technology will help bridge the gap.
"As technology increases, the ability to keep the general public safe increases as well," McVoy said.
City officials say the Flock cameras could be installed as early as next year, pending approval from Jeffersonville leaders.
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