LYNN — The Lynn Police Department is installing automated license plate-reading (ALPR) cameras throughout the city in order to be both proactive and reactive in fighting crime.
When used, this technology has been found to reduce crime by up to 70 percent.
The department entered into a pilot agreement with public-safety operating system, Flock Safety, to obtain and install these cameras.
The ALPR cameras will assist law enforcement with investigating crime by capturing evidence, including detecting license plates and vehicle characteristics, but not people or their faces.
The cameras can send an immediate alert to law enforcement when a stolen car or wanted suspect from a national crime database enters the jurisdiction.
The cameras can also alert police if a vehicle associated with a missing person in an AMBER or Silver alert is detected.
Police Chief Christopher Reddy said this system, which is not used for traffic enforcement, will enable officers to more effectively solve and reduce crimes.
“The Flock Safety system, using Automated License Plate Reader technology, is a proven, effective crime-fighting tool,” Reddy said. “We are committed to maintaining public safety in Lynn while protecting citizen privacy and building strong bonds with our community.”
The police department said these cameras will protect citizen privacy while increasing safety, as all Flock Safety footage is deleted after 30 days and the data is never sold or shared with third parties.
“The cameras will be used by Lynn Police to solve and reduce violent and property crime, and are not intended for minor traffic or parking violations,” the department said.
Flock Safety cameras are being used in more than 1,400 cities throughout 40 states in the U.S. Flock Safety currently works with more than 1,200 cities and more than 1,000 police departments. The program helps neighborhoods, businesses, and law enforcement work together to eliminate crime, protect privacy, and mitigate bias.
