Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Victoria council approves automated license-plate cameras after remote presentation
Summary
The Victoria Town Council approved a $20,000 purchase of six Flock Safety cameras and analytics, with the town to apply for an annual VSP HEAT grant expected to cover most of the cost. Officials said the cameras will aid investigations and improve officer safety.
The Victoria Town Council on Feb. 12 voted to buy six Flock Safety cameras and associated software and analytics to give the police department real-time license-plate and vehicle-description data.
The remote presenter, identified as Lt. Beagle, described the solar-powered system as a 24-hour automated license-plate reader (ALPR) network that stores data for 30 days and can exchange information with other agencies. Police Chief Camden Lawson said the equipment would help officers identify suspects in stolen-vehicle, hit-and-run and missing-person cases that have been hard to solve with the department's existing technology. "These cameras are 24/7 and share information from other agencies if needed," Lt. Beagle said.
Mayor Allen D. Smith told council the system's primary advantage is officer safety and preparation. The package—four license-plate-reading units and two live-video cameras—was priced at $20,000 for a one-year contract. Newton noted the Virginia State Police HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) grant provides $12,500 annually and the town will apply; the grant, if awarded, would cover most of the cost.
Councilmember Ronald Mattox moved to purchase the Flock Safety System; Councilmember Johnnie Brame seconded the motion, which carried. Council members said an LPR policy will be adopted to govern use and data retention.
The council did not provide a recorded roll-call vote in the meeting minutes. The system vendor data storage term, the town's LPR policy text and the procurement contract length were noted in the presentation: "We will have an LPR Policy in place and this is a one-year contract," Lt. Beagle said. The department will begin applying for available grant funding and proceed with installation if grant coverage is confirmed.
