AMHERST, N.Y. (WBEN).....For the first time in its history, the University at Buffalo will be using specific license plate readers to aid in its law enforcement and investigations.
Flock Cameras has selected UB for a pilot program that will see 20 of its high tech license plate readers installed at key locations on both the North Campus n Amherst and South Campus in Buffalo.
The pilot program will last for 60 days after which time UB Police Chief Kimberly Beaty will recommend keeping the systems in place or moving on to a different program.
The cameras should be installed this fall, but an exact installation date has not yet been set, Beaty said.
"These cameras could help us with investigations," Beaty said.
Beaty stressed her 60-person agency will be very selective on how data collected from the Flock Cameras will be used.
"We will not be intrusive," Beaty said. "Our goal is just to keep our campuses safe."
Unless warranted, the data will only be saved for seven days, Beaty said.
The decade-old Flock Camera system has been praised by law enforcement agencies but criticized in other corners as being too close to a "1984/Big Brother" scenario.
Locally, it is a mixed bag when it comes to what municipalities use the Flock or other systems and who doesn't.
Buffalo Police Commissioner Erika Shields and Mayor Sean Ryan have both said Buffalo will not use Flock Cameras.
Buffalo, does, have other security cameras in place - left over from past administrations.
Niagara County has 48 Flock Cameras that Sheriff Michael Fillicetti said are helpful in certain investigations - although the City of North Tonawanda has requested that the Sheriff's Department remove the one in that city.
Cheektowaga has 31 Flock Cameras while Amherst, later this year, is shifting from its 17 Flock Cameras to the Axom Enterprise system.
Beaty said Flock Cameras are becoming more and more necessary.
"We are just trying to keep up with everything else in the world," Beaty said. "We don't want to be that example if anything bad happens."
Flock will install 20 cameras on UB North and South campuses
Flock will install 20 cameras on UB North and South campuses
