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South Bloomfield police present Flock license-plate reader proposal; council asks for feasibility review
Summary
Police Chief Michael Maynard presented a proposal for Flock license-plate reader cameras at a unit cost of $3,000; council asked him to pursue feasibility and financing. Council also authorized hiring of a part-time lieutenant and purchase of two cruisers in the same meeting.
Chief Michael Maynard told the Village of South Bloomfield council on Jan. 8 that Flock license-plate reader (LPR) cameras can assist officers with enforcement and crime deterrence and displayed proposed camera locations. He said the vendor price discussed was $3,000 per unit and that that price would include software updates, access to the vendor's network, solar power and battery, and repairs and replacement.
At least two residents asked technical questions during the presentation: Randy Rensko asked whether future upgraded devices would be automatically provided under the contract; Maynard said he would investigate that. Daniel Huggett asked if the cameras could measure speed; Maynard said they do not.
Council did not vote to purchase cameras at the meeting but agreed that Maynard should pursue the concept further and determine whether it is financially feasible. That decision came the same evening the council hired John Wells as a part-time administrative police lieutenant and authorized purchase of two new police cruisers via emergency resolutions.
Chief Maynard also reviewed 2024 department statistics and said the department remains understaffed though applications meeting minimum requirements have been received. He said he is pursuing several grants for equipment funding and has discussed issuing ID cards to all village staff. Lieutenant Sara Hempstead will work with the Ohio State Highway Patrol on monthly interdiction days to increase police presence and reduce accidents and crime, Maynard said.
Council members requested follow-up details: funding sources and delivery timelines for the cruiser purchases were not specified at the meeting. The new lieutenant was sworn in immediately after the hiring resolution passed.
