MIDDLEPORT, N.Y. (WBEN) - When it comes to use of Flock Cameras, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti says they are used strictly for law enforcement. Nothing more, nothing less.
"They are a law enforcement tool. Period," Filicetti said.
Since the Flock Cameras were first developed in 2017 and brought out to the law enforcement world in 2018, some have claimed it is nothing but a "Big Brother Watching You" device while supporters say it has become a key law enforcement tool.
Flock Cameras use AI collected data to read license plates and driver data. They are powered by specialized solar equipment.
Created by Atlanta-based Flock Safety, the system is used in more than 6,000 municipalities and has installed more than 100,000 cameras nationwide.
Niagara County has 43 Flock Cameras placed at various key locations.
"They definitely help us build leads," Filicetti said.
As for all the social media buzz - much of which is anti-Flock - Filicetti dismisses it as "misinformation."
The buzz alleges data is sold or used for spying-like activity.
Not so, the sheriff counters.
The collected data can only be saved for 30 days.
Niagara County Sheriff's Department employs an auditor to make sure any information collected is used only to help build cases, Filicetti said.
"It is another, important crime solving tool," Filicetti said.
Information from Flock cameras are law enforcement tools
Information from Flock cameras are law enforcement tools
