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RI Buys License Plate Recognition Software

Pictured are the possible ways a Flock Safety camera might be set up. Photos taken from the Police Department presentation to the Rock Island City Council
Pictured are the possible ways a Flock Safety camera might be set up. Photos taken from the Police Department presentation to the Rock Island City Council

Rock Island police will soon have a new way they hope will reduce crime. Monday night the city council approved the purchase of Flock Safety, a license plate recognition software.

Police Chief Richard Landi says Flock will monitor entry and exit points around the city, and alert police when it spots stolen vehicles.

"These will be around to monitor the city where we can't have police officers all the time, because they're busy handling calls or doing investigations. These are the extra sets of eyes that are out there helping monitor those things. We use technology to help supplement our staffing and our resources."

Landi says this system will help Rock Island keep up with current technology and nearby police departments.

"This particular system is already up and operational in several jurisdictions in Illinois. The cities of Silvis, East Moline, Milan. Rock Island County is also looking to implement them."

The city will spend $120,000 for Flock Safety and a two-year service agreement. The funding will come from the American Rescue Plan Act, and Chief Landi estimates the cameras will begin working in the next 2-3 months.