APD announces use of FLOCK Safety Technology

ALBANY, Ga. – The Albany Police Department announced Tuesday afternoon that Albany officially is working with FLOCK Safety Technology to aid in investigations.

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley says the new technology will help in identifying stolen cars as well as gunshots fired in areas that might not otherwise be easily monitored.

“With the FLOCK system, this is not just a network of cameras in Albany, but we’re establishing a network of contributors across the state of Georgia, and we’re sharing our cameras daily with other law enforcement agencies outside. So, we want to stay a part of this comprehensive network,” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Department.

The FLOCK Safety Technology is used in more than 40 states across the country.

Spokesperson, Holly Bellin says that adapting the technology, which is used in Atlanta will translate perfectly to a smaller city like Albany.

“…As Chief Persley talked about, it’s a very data driven process. We look at crime trends, we look at things like ingress and egress points of the community, so in a place like Albany as Chief Persley had mentioned, a lot of the stolen vehicles aren’t from the community, they’re actually driving through…” said Holly Bellin, Spokesperson, FLOCK Safety.

And, while some may be more concerned about cameras and sound detectors for gunshots, both the Albany Police and FLOCK safety want to assure the Good Life City…

They will not be violating people’s privacy.

“We are following responsible data practices, keeping your data secure. Capturing objective data only, and deleting that data after a certain amount of time when it’s no longer necessary to solve crime. It’s exceptionally important to us at flock…” said Bellin.

Especially as they want to put an end to Albany being a pass through for those committing crime.

“We want to make sure that those who are coming here to do wrong, that are coming here to commit crimes, to know that you will be caught on camera somewhere. And, the information that we receive from the camera we will use that for the arrest and persecution of those cases,” said Chief Persley.

Chief Persley says that FLOCK Safety’s implementation, while important will not slow down recruitment and retention efforts for the police.

According to the Albany Police, the FLOCK Safety implementation was approved by the city commission with a four hundred thousand dollar budget.

Brian Roche reporting.

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