Arlington police are re-upping their use of cameras that read license plates across the city, saying the technology is driving down crime and has led to some major arrests. Opponents, meanwhile, say they're concerned about privacy.
After starting with 24 cameras two years ago, police in Arlington have grown their network of Flock license plate-reading cameras to more than 130 around the city. Last week, the city agreed to renew its most recent contract with the company after saying the program has yielded positive results.
“We evaluated it, and we did see a reduction in crime in the areas where we did deploy the cameras,” said Steve Williams, deputy chief of technical services with the Arlington Police Department.
Police data showed that since starting the program, parts of Arlington with Flock cameras have seen a 26% drop in crimes against persons, compared to a 12% drop in crimes in other areas.
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Arlington police leaders also said the cameras have been aiding other high-profile investigations. After a 56-year-old woman was killed while being robbed outside a New York Avenue restaurant last December, police used Flock cameras to identify the car that fled the scene. They later arrested 35-year-old Fernando Taylor and charged him with capital murder.
“What could have easily been a cold case right now was able to be solved with the use of our technology,” said Williams.
Several North Texas cities, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, White Settlement, and Trophy Club, are also using Flock systems.
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Still, despite the benefits, some North Texans said they're hearing that some people who live near the cameras have some concerns.
“The invasion of the privacy,” said Rogelio Meixueiro with Sunrise MVMT Tarrant County. “They have mentioned to us how often they are just afraid of having cameras all the time.”
Activists said the idea of police constantly surveilling neighborhoods worried some residents, who were uneasy about who was watching the footage, how it was being used, and how long it would be stored.
“Is this camera going a bit too far? Is it taking a bit too much of my information?” said Meixueiro.
In response, Arlington police said the cameras only captured license plates on the rear of vehicles and did not record drivers or passengers.
Arlington Police Department leaders told NBC 5 the video was only stored for 30 days, and officers could only access the Flock system after undergoing training and if they were investigating a specific case.
“We respect our citizens’ privacy, and we value them,” said Williams.
