New 'Flock' Cameras Prove Effective In Center Point: Sheriff

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — Several communities in the area over the last year have started using Flock cameras in their neighborhood streets to help with crime prevention and investigations, and the installation of the cameras in Center Point have proven to be effective, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

The cameras track tag numbers that travel through the area and have the capability to notify when a stolen vehicle is in the area, if a registered owner of a vehicle has an outstanding warrant, if a vehicle that has been used in a reported crime is in the area and even if a vehicle has a switched tag.

This technology should also prove to be helpful in Amber Alerts and missing seniors. The cameras were installed in Center Point a couple of months ago and are already making a difference, Sgt. Joni Money said.

Money said the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office recovered two stolen vehicles August 2 through the use of the cameras. "At around noon, a deputy was patrolling around 20th Avenue NE, when he was alerted of a stolen Chevrolet Colorado by the technology," Money said. "He stopped the vehicle and was able to make a recovery."

Approximately two hours later, Money said, the same deputy recognized a vehicle revealed by the new cameras to be stolen. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop. A chase followed, that ended with the suspect driving the stolen Lincoln Navigator into a residence on Tupelo Road in Center Point.

Center Point mayor Tom Henderson said he is excited with the results that the cameras have produced in such a short period of time.

Trussville, Moody and Alabaster have all installed Flock cameras in their communities in the last year.