A Flock of Cameras

From the Desk of Chief Colt Young:

The Winterville Police Department is excited to share that Flock Safety Cameras are being installed throughout our city! These cameras are an important step in enhancing the safety and security of everyone who lives, works, and visits Winterville.

Flock cameras give law enforcement an extra set of eyes on public roads — helping us quickly locate stolen vehicles, missing children, and individuals with active warrants. For a small department like ours, this technology is a huge benefit and allows us to better protect our community with the resources we have.

We want to assure everyone that these cameras do not invade your privacy or collect personal information. All cameras are located on public roadways, and the information they capture is used solely for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Any license plates that are captured on the cameras, still must be ran through N.C.I.C. by an officer before any information is given past the point of whether the vehicle is associated with criminal activity.

We are not interested in tracking law-abiding citizens. But, we are interested in tracking criminals and their movement throughout our city. Real time information like this, assists us in capturing criminals in a quick and safer manner than has been available in the past before they are able to commit more crimes. — our focus is on keeping Winterville safe.

These cameras also serve as a powerful deterrent to crime. Criminals know that being seen means being caught, and that helps keep unwanted activity out of our city. I can speak from experience utilizing this important tool. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at wintervillechief@cityofwinterville.com or (706) 742-5295 and I can give plenty of examples of lives saved and criminals stopped from harming others.

This is just one more way we’re using technology to serve and protect our community. Thank you, Winterville, for your continued trust and support as we work together to keep our city safe.

We’re proud to serve you, Winterville!

— Chief Colt Young

Winterville Police Department