LCSD says camera technology is helping solve crime

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. - The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department has been using new camera technology to help solve crimes and recover stolen vehicles. Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun says the cameras have been in use for about three months and they have helped the department recover six vehicles.

“We have recovered stolen property," said Calhoun. "We have also apprehended wanted individuals and it has helped us in several investigations already.”

The Flock Safety cameras utilize vehicle fingerprinting technology and capture vehicle models along with the timestamp and state. Calhoun says the cameras can also send alerts when stolen cars pass by the area.

“It doesn’t matter where it’s stolen from--it comes through Lauderdale County and hits one of our tag readers and we’ll know about it. It gives us the opportunity to be looking for that vehicle in order to stop it and to be able to recover it.”

The footage is not permanent. After 30 days the video is deleted from the cameras. Additionally, it doesn’t capture any facial recognition. Calhoun says the eight cameras are helping them in a major way.

“Studies show that in areas where there are cameras, there is less crime because bad guys realize that they may really well be being videoed or photographed so that reduces crime in those areas.”

The Flock Safety cameras are also available for neighborhoods and businesses.