LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville is increasing its surveillance network with the expansion of Flock cameras, the automated license plate reading devices used by law enforcement to track vehicles.
Currently, the city has 141 Flock cameras in place, with plans to add another 139. Additionally, Louisville Metro Police Department has access to nearly 100 privately-owned Flock cameras, further expanding their monitoring capabilities.
Flock cameras are most commonly used to apprehend street racers and recover stolen vehicles. These devices capture images of passing cars, sending the data to a central system. If a flagged vehicle, such as a stolen car, a car associated with a wanted person, or one linked to street racing, passes a Flock camera, LMPD is notified immediately. Officers access the database approximately 18,000 times per month.
Metro Council member Dan Seum, D-13, acknowledges privacy concerns but believes the cameras are essential for public safety.
“I know people are concerned about privacy issues, but I'm more concerned about people getting killed and carjacked and stuff like that. And I don't know how much privacy we can expect on a public road anyway,” Seum said. “We have window tinting laws for a reason. The cameras are working, and the more we can get out here to these bad actors, we're watching you, and we're going to get you.”
Installing a single Flock camera costs $650, with an additional $3,000 in annual monitoring fees. MetroSafe does not monitor these cameras; instead, they are placed in high-crime areas or locations willing to cover the costs. LMPD also collaborates with 82 private Flock camera owners, including business parks, churches, and homeowners’ associations, to enhance their surveillance network.
Metro Council member Anthony Piagentini, D-19, raised concerns about the strategic placement of these cameras.
“I am concerned that we are doing this not piecemeal, but I'm glad to start the conversation about it. Do we have a plan where we should put these based off of patterns and intelligence?” Piagentini asked.
The city’s surveillance efforts are expanding beyond Flock cameras.
LMPD is developing a program called FUSUS, which will integrate private security cameras into law enforcement monitoring. This initiative would allow police access to cameras installed on homes, businesses, and other private properties.
“The program that we're working on now is called FUSUS,” said LMPD’s Jennifer Corum.
This program will give police access to private cameras, meaning law enforcement could gain access to the camera on your front porch or the one across the street at your neighbor’s house.
Seum supports the expansion of surveillance, stating, “The more eyes on crime, the better as far as I'm concerned."
Private surveillance camera owners interested in participating can sign up through the Connect Louisville Metro website by clicking here.
Previous Coverage:
- Plan to install 17 new Flock cameras in southeast Louisville area brings mixed reaction
- Louisville approves nearly $200,000 to purchase new Flock cameras
- 'Gamechanger' | Flock cameras helping Louisville police prevent crime, solve investigations
- Louisville councilman makes push for automated speed cameras along residential city streets
- City report shows Friday is the busiest night for car thieves in Louisville, some caught on camera
- Cameras, cellphone activity lead to suspect's arrest for fatal shooting at Indiana casino
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