Sheriff seeks six license‑plate readers; plan would use forfeiture funds and a JAG grant if awarded

Caswell County Sheriff’s Office presented a proposal on Aug. 4 to install six license‑plate reader cameras from Flock Safety in strategic county locations and to join the vendor’s regional database.

Sheriff Durden told the board the total cost under the proposal is about $39,900 spread over two fiscal years: $21,900 this fiscal year and $18,000 next fiscal year. Staff said the project was not budgeted but that DEA forfeiture funds could cover the purchase if a JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) application is unsuccessful.

Why it matters: The cameras would join a national network of participating jurisdictions that can query plate reads when investigating crimes. Commissioners asked about placement, privacy and who controls camera locations; the sheriff said placements would be kept internal to law enforcement and that the devices are typically mounted on private property with property owner permission.

Details and questions: Commissioners asked whether the system required private‑property placement and how the database functions if staff do not have a precise plate number. Sheriff Durden and staff explained that many agencies share Flock data and that situational descriptors can be used to search; Danville was mentioned as an example of a local jurisdiction that uses multiple cameras.

Next steps: Because the purchase exceeds the county’s $25,000 procurement threshold, staff said a formal contract and board approval will be brought back at the Aug. 18 meeting. If the board approves at that time, staff indicated forfeiture funds are available to proceed.

Ending: The sheriff’s office will work with staff on a contract and locations and return the item to the commission on Aug. 18 for formal approval.