Up to 20 flock cameras could be installed in Montgomery district, says councilwoman

Montgomery's District 2 may see as many as 20 flock cameras installed in the near future, said Councilor Julie Beard in a video by CrimeStoppers 215 STOP. 

A post on social media featuring the video described flock cameras as being technology that can read license plates and identify cars that have been involved in crimes, including car thefts and missing persons. 

In the video she stated that there are currently 11 cameras, with nine more slated to go up in different areas. 

She further stated that flock cameras have played a role in solving "some pretty critical things" from April to August. While she acknowledged that she has heard from people who said that they were uncomfortable with this kind of technology she defended them as being vital in investigations. 

"I can think about something and it shows up on my telephone," she said. "Which I think is crazy but the flock camera's the best thing we've got going for us right now and it has proven to really help solve - one of the main things I've shared with people is just imagine this: Your car is stolen. You've got your tag number."

"That tag number is put into a database and it's across the nation. Well, what if your car was stolen and your child was in the car? I would want a flock camera to pick up that tag anywhere across Montgomery or in a neighboring county or a neighboring state for it to be solved."  

Criticism of such cameras, according to media reports, have come namely due to errors in arrests, abuse by officers and the overall question of surveillance. 

In the comments section of the social media post some supported the measure, saying that flock cameras have helped in curbing crime while others have argued that they pose the potential for invasion of privacy or violating the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.