Frisco's new license plate-reading cameras aim to tackle crime, not monitor traffic
NORTH TEXAS — License plate-reading cameras are being installed in Frisco as part of an effort to reduce crime and help solve cases, police say.
The cameras will not be used for traffic enforcement, according to the Frisco Police Department.
The cameras will be strategically placed throughout the city, capturing the rear image of vehicles and their license plates. They will provide real-time alerts to officers when a stolen vehicle or a vehicle associated with a wanted suspect is detected. Additionally, alerts will be generated for vehicles associated with missing persons in AMBER or Silver alerts.
Frisco police said the "Flock" cameras are used in more than 5,000 communities across the U.S.
While collected images do not include people or faces, data is stored for 30 days and is never sold or shared with third parties, police said Wednesday.
Frisco Police Chief David Shilson said the Flock LPR system will be a significant asset, noting that communities using Flock cameras have reported crime reductions of up to 70 percent.
"The addition of the Flock LPR camera system is a technological game changer for our community that will allow greater collaboration with surrounding agencies and provide us the ability to better direct our resources to quickly apprehend felony suspects," Shilson said Wednesday in a news release.
Shilson expressed appreciation for the $437,000 grant from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles' Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority.