OCSO License Plate Reader Helped Catch Alleged Car Thief

No matter where you venture in public, you can count on your image showing up on someone’s closed-circuit footage. Another emerging technology that’s catching on is a licensed plate reader. LPRs are being added in Oconee County, through a sheriff’s office arrangement with provider Flock Safety. LPRs typically are mounted on street poles, overpasses, and the like. The recorded images capture location, date and location.

Sheriff Mike Crenshaw said that the technology paid off yesterday morning with the arrest of a suspect who allegedly stole a vehicle from Prisma Health-Oconee Memorial in Seneca, and he added, officers are forbidden from using the technology for nefarious purposes, such as those that would violate an innocent person’s right to privacy….

Thru Flock Safety, Oconee Sheriff’s Office will employ four automatic licensed plate readers at locations countywide. Sheriff Crenshaw stressed that their intent is to catch thieves and help find lost or missing persons.