Law Enforcement

Empowering Smaller Law Enforcement Agencies: The Role of Technology in Maximizing Your Force

August 27, 2024

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Law Enforcement

Empowering Smaller Law Enforcement Agencies: The Role of Technology in Maximizing Your Force

No two law enforcement agencies are exactly the same. Whether it’s due to differences in geography, infrastructure, or community demographics, each agency faces its own unique set of challenges.

For agencies with fewer sworn officers, doing more with less is a daily reality. To maximize the effectiveness of a smaller force, adopting the right tools and technology is crucial. License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras, for instance, can significantly enhance an agency's capabilities and impact.

The following matrix illustrates the recommended number of LPR cameras per sworn officer, as used by top-performing agencies.

However, simply deploying LPR cameras isn’t enough. Promoting officer adoption and facilitating camera sharing with neighboring agencies are also key to maximizing their impact.

A 2024 study found that adding an additional Flock Device per sworn officer can increase the ALPR-assisted clearance rate by 9.1%.

This finding highlights the significant impact of expanding LPR technology on law enforcement effectiveness. By enhancing the number of devices per officer, agencies can markedly improve their ability to solve cases, leading to more efficient crime resolution and enhanced public safety.

In this blog, we’ll explore how smaller agencies are harnessing the power of Flock to solve more crime and keep their communities safe.

In the Field: How Smaller Agencies are Leveraging Flock to Solve More Crime

Miami County, OH Arson Case

Flock LPR technology played a crucial role in quickly resolving an arson case in Miami County, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

  • Accelerated Suspect Identification: Officers leveraged Flock Safety’s advanced license plate reading cameras to rapidly identify and apprehend suspects involved in the arson investigation.
  • Enhanced Cross-Jurisdictional Collaboration: The PD facilitated smooth cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies, showcasing the technology’s effectiveness in supporting a unified investigative effort.

White Settlement, TX PD Collaborates with Fort Worth PD on Missing Person Case

In the Fort Worth metro area, the successful recovery of a 74-year-old man with dementia highlighted the precision and efficiency of Flock LPR cameras, emphasizing their crucial role in public safety and emergency responses.

  • Swift Missing Person Location: The technology allowed officers to quickly locate a missing individual before a Silver Alert was necessary.
  • Strengthened Community Trust: Since the cameras played significant role in resolving a sensitive case, community trust in local law enforcement's capabilities was enhanced.

Ohio Agency Apprehends Homicide Suspect with Extensive LPR Network

Middleburg Heights PD utilized Flock’s expansive network of over 900 cameras across five counties to apprehend a homicide suspect, demonstrating the power and reach of the LPR system.

  • Rapid Suspect Apprehension: The system’s rapid identification capabilities led to the swift arrest of a dangerous individual.
  • Extended Network Reach: With access to a vast network of Flock LPR cameras, including those in neighboring Kentucky, Middleburg Heights was able to broaden the scope of surveillance and enhancing public safety efforts.
  • Effective in Transient Crime: This case addressed the challenges of transient criminal activity, particularly along major interstate routes, proving to be an invaluable tool in combating crime.

Better together: LPR + Video Aids in Solving Lawrence, Indiana Murder Case within Hours of Crime 

Aided by video and Flock LPR cameras, a suspect was arrested in a murder case in Indiana.

  • Suspect Identification: Video footage captured the suspect's movements leading up to the discovery of the victim, facilitating a swift identification and arrest.
  • Accelerated Investigation Timeline: The integration of Flock LPR technology significantly expedited the investigation, resulting in an arrest within hours of the crime.
  • Expedited Case Resolution: The arrest and resolution of the case provided some measure of comfort to the victim’s family, highlighting the crucial role of technology in modern law enforcement.

“The timeline is reduced significantly we’re able to make arrests within hours instead of weeks months or years.”
Deputy Chief Woodruff | Lawerence PD

Interested in learning more about how Flock can help multiply your agency’s force? Book a meeting with a team member to start building a custom safety solution today.

Read More: Your Plan for Tech-Enhanced Public Safety

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