Dougherty County Police look to increase video camera presence in unincorporated areas

ALBANY – The Dougherty County Police Department is looking to add to its flock, as in the FLOCK Safety license plate readers.

The agency has requested an additional 13 FLOCK cameras, which would bring the total to 23 in unincorporated Dougherty County, and nine Condor units, the latter of which provide video footage and will be placed in public areas such as parks.

The DPD made the request on Monday to the Dougherty County Commission to provide $209,949 in funding to pay for the cameras.

“No, it’s not for that (spying on people),” DPD Chief Kenneth Johnson, said during an interview outside the meeting. “It’s more to enhance investigations.”

The FLOCK system helped solve a carjacking case from North Jefferson Street a couple of years ago in which the suspect had gone to New York City and also helped solve an Atlanta murder case in which a teacher was fatally shot, the chief said.

The system can help trace a car, he said, giving the example of how it could provide information for a hypothetical Honda Accord with a black bumper sticker, giving information about sightings of cars fitting that description dating back to 30 days.

“It also helps to deter crime,” Johnson said.

The commission can vote on the funding request at its next work session.

In other business Monday the commission:

— Recognized former and current black lawmakers as part of Black History Month. Former state Reps. Winfred Dukes and Lawrence Roberts were present for the recognition.

— Heard a recommendation from the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office to upgrade the automated fingerprint identification system at a cost of $44,600.

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]