Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann | City of Columbia
Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann | City of Columbia
The Columbia Police Department (CPD) is inviting community members to attend presentations on Flock Safety technology. The aim is to explore its potential use in combating crime in the City of Columbia and gather feedback on a proposed related policy and procedure.
Flock Safety cameras provide real-time alerts to law enforcement when they detect stolen vehicles or suspect vehicles listed in local, state, or national crime databases. They also notify authorities if a vehicle connected to a missing person case, such as an AMBER or Silver Alert, is identified. These cameras record license plate numbers and vehicle details like make, model, and color but do not capture identifiable images of people or their faces and do not use facial recognition technology.
The cameras are not designed for remote or automated traffic enforcement and will not be used for such purposes. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), vehicles are involved in 70% of crimes, and 97% of car thieves face additional charges including robbery, burglary, theft, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.
CPD has drafted a policy and procedure outlining the appropriate uses of the Flock Safety system. This policy will be available at each public meeting for residents to review and provide feedback. Additionally, details about the Flock Transparency Portal and its use by CPD will be discussed.
The meetings will be held at the following times and locations:
- Aug. 14, 2024:
- 9 a.m. — Lange Middle School cafeteria, 2201 Smiley Lane
- Noon — City Hall Council Chambers, 701 E. Broadway
- 3 p.m. — Daniel Boone Regional Library, Friends Room, 100 W. Broadway
- 7 p.m. — Molly Thomas Bowden Policing Center, Community Room, 1204 International Drive
- Aug. 15, 2024:
- 9 a.m. — Crossing Church Student Center Room 320, 3615 Southland Drive
- Noon — City Hall Council Chambers, 701 E. Broadway
- 3 p.m. — Gentry Middle School Media Center, 4200 Bethel Street
- 7 p.m. — Boone Electric Community Room, 1413 Range Line Street
Residents can also leave comments at BeHeard.CoMo.gov from Aug. 14 through Sept. 10.
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