Over a year into its partnership with the Thomasville Police Department, the Flock Safety Camera System has provided law enforcement with valuable information that has aided in solving several crimes in the Thomasville community.
“Thanks to the Flock cameras, we’re apprehending individuals shortly after an incident versus experiencing long investigation periods, and that’s an absolute game-changer in our efforts to provide a safe environment to everyone that lives in or visits Thomasville,” said City of Thomasville Police Chief Wade Glover. “Our cameras are also enhancing how law enforcement agencies like the Thomasville Police Department can prevent and solve crime, and that’s good news for our entire community.”
The partnership between TPD and Flock Safety Camera Systems began in June of 2023 after grant funding was provided that allowed for the installation of the camera system at no initial cost to the City. “The cameras are designed to scan the license plates of vehicles that pass by an active camera,” explained Chief Glover. “The cameras do not record conversations or other audio in the area.”
Glover stated, “This data is often crucial in helping to resolve cases investigated by law enforcement officers. When information related to criminal activity is requested, the Flock Safety camera system provides law enforcement with unbiased details of vehicles traveling throughout our city, which may be linked to a crime.”
Thomasville’s Flock Safety camera system has proven to be highly effective, showcasing numerous success stories. From January to June this year, the Thomasville Police Department successfully apprehended suspects with outstanding warrants from other counties, made arrests related to narcotics and aggravated assault, and issued 82 citations to drivers whose licenses were suspended or revoked. In May alone, there were an impressive 155 "successes," with each one representing an arrest, lead, warrant, or stop linked to a Flock device.
More recently as a crime prevention tool, the Flock Safety camera system played a crucial role in solving a serious case. “The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by family members that an individual who often walks home from work had not returned the night before, prompting a missing person report,” said Glover. “Officers searched his usual route and, unfortunately, discovered that he had been a victim of a hit-and-run accident. Once the victim was found deceased, the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) was notified and took over the investigation.”
Glover continued, “Thanks to the City of Thomasville's investment in this invaluable crime-solving tool, GSP submitted a request for assistance to the Thomasville Police Department. With the help of the Flock Camera System, the suspect’s vehicle and driver were identified. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide, hit and run, and several other traffic offenses.”
“The Flock Safety cameras have demonstrated to be invaluable in identifying assailants literally in their tracks,” said Glover. “The real-time alerts sent to law enforcement have enabled quick responses leading to apprehensions and reduced theft.”
For more information on the Flock Safety System, visit the Thomasville Police Department Transparency Portal at thomasvillepolicega.org or call (229) 227-7076.