Members of a Lexington City Council committee got an update on Flock Safety cameras Tuesday. The 25 license-reading cameras in the pilot program are located in high-crime areas. Police commander Matthew Greathouse reported cameras played a role in locating 11 missing people, recovering stolen vehicles valued at over a million dollars, and apprehending violent offenders in other jurisdictions.
Greathouse says images captured by the cameras are deleted after a 60-day retention policy.
“Officers search data is kept forever, so if we have a question of wrong-doing or such, we can actually go back to look to see who used the system, when they used it, and what they actually searched for. And that goes back as long as we’ve had access to the system and will remain there as long as we move forward,” said Greathouse
In response to Council questions, Greathouse said the pictures taken only cover the back of the vehicle.
Council Member James Brown said he’s supportive of the flock camera program. Based on questions from some in the community, Brown suggested the city’s Commission on Racial Justice and Equality review the department’s policies.
Greathouse, who’s commander of the special investigations unit, said there’s no live monitoring of cameras in the pilot program. Council Member Jennifer Reynolds asked Greathouse about the picture-taking process.
“Are they constantly taking photos around the clock or are they only taking photos when triggered? Asked Reynolds.
“Only taking photos when triggered,” said Greathouse.
“Only when triggered, so they’re not constantly streaming tens of photos that they’re keeping for 60 days? They are only when triggered and then those photos are only kept for 60 days,” said Reynolds
“That is correct,” said Greathouse.
There’s money in the current budget to expand the program from 25 to about a hundred cameras. No decisions have been made about when such an expansion might occur.
