JCPD launches webpage to answer questions about new “FLOCK” cams

The Johnson City Police Department has created a webpage with information and data on the department’s new Safe City Project, which includes license plate readers. The JCPD’s new technology, which is by Flock Group Inc., includes 145 license plate recognition devices, 145 pan/tilt/zoom cameras, two mobile security trailers, gunshot detection capabilities, and Real-Time Crime Center software. Flock cameras are designed to read license plates and distinguishing features of all vehicles, along with the make and model of the vehicle and then stores that information. Some citizens are concerned about the “big brother” aspect and possible abuse of the system by law enforcement. Officials overseeing the implementation say that they are aware that people have questions about the system, and note that the new page is designed to answer them.