FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – New technology is helping Fargo Police prevent and solve crimes.
In June, the department installed 21 license plate readers and five cameras throughout the city as part of a pilot program with Flock Safety.
“We utilized our intelligence and analytics team to identify areas that were likely to generate high numbers of calls and traffic,” Fargo Police Lt. Bill Alfeldt said, “and we strategically placed these cameras to get the best results.”
The technology can alert police to any vehicles or people suspected of committing a crime, and can also be used to rescue missing people. Police cars are also equipped with the same technology.
Police say the system has already helped solve more than 50 cases.
“These license plate readers can be programmed to hit anyone who passes by in a stolen vehicle, who is on a terrorist watch list, who has an outstanding arrest warrant or who we identify as a suspect in a crime we're investigating,” Alfeldt added.
The technology cost about $116,000 and was acquired by the police department through a grant, and the department is seeking additional funding to better utilize the technology in its Real-Time Crime Center.
The goal is to have these systems up and running every day. Currently they are only used for large community events.
“They were extremely useful at street fairs, parades, police picnics and so on,” Inspector Alfelt said. “Most of the time, they helped prevent crimes, and if a crime did occur, we were able to gather evidence from them.”
Captain Alfelt will be making a presentation about the new technology at the Sept. 16 City Commission meeting.
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