From The Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — The new Flock Safety cameras in Center Point are helping fight crime in Center Point, according to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sgt. Joni Money said one deputy was able to help recover two stolen vehicles on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020.
“These devices are very helpful in deterring crime and tracking down suspects,” Money said. “The new cameras proved their value almost immediately.”
The first incident happened when the deputy was alerted to a stolen Chevrolet Colorado around 20th Avenue Northeast, around noon. The deputy made a traffic stop and recovered the vehicle. The second incident happened about two hours later. When the deputy attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver refused to stop. The chase ended with the stolen Lincoln Navigator crashing into a home on Tupelo Road, according to Money.
The city of Center Point is installing 40 Flock Safety cameras throughout the city. Many of them are already up and running. An extra 10 more could be purchased in the future.
The cameras take snapshots of tags and alert authorities to stolen tags, stolen vehicles, and to tags registered to a person with a warrant. Authorities can also enter “hotlist” information to search for certain vehicles. In addition to hotlists, the city can add specific information into Flock to find certain cars, pedestrians and animals. The cameras do not record video.
Several surrounding cities, including Trussville, Clay and Pinson have also purchased Flock Safety cameras.