Strengthening Bonds, Increasing Safety: How Deputy Chief Dan Kelso’s Team Harnesses Flock Safety LPR & Audio Detection for Swift Crime Resolution

In the bustling city of Whitehall, Ohio with a population of 19,000 residents, upwards of 100,000 daily commuters, and sometimes close to a million per week – maintaining public safety is a demanding challenge.

Despite being home to a diverse community with over 50% minorities, the city prides itself on a strong and positive bond between the police force, the city council, the mayor, and the community members.

THE CHALLENGE

With the overwhelming number of vehicles passing through, the city faces a significant stolen car issue, common within the greater Columbus area. This stolen car challenge becomes increasingly complicated given the associated crimes that accompany the recovery of these vehicles—often involving illegal firearms, drugs, or suspects with a criminal record. Without the manpower to manually check each vehicle, the department needed a more efficient and effective solution.

THE SOLUTION‍

To address these challenges, the city deployed the Flock Safety Falcon® LPR and the Flock Safety Raven® audio detection systems. Both systems integrated seamlessly, empowering officers with real-time data and facilitating enhanced communication with dispatch and other agencies.

Flock Safety Falcon® LPR: Enabled the police department to proactively target stolen vehicles. The Hot Lists feature and the ability to search for vehicles without plates proved invaluable.

Flock Safety Raven® Audio Detection System: This gunshot detection system complements the LPR. Officers can swiftly respond to gunshots, often arriving at crime scenes before 9-1-1 calls are made.

THE RESULTS

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Since the implementation of Flock Safety Falcon® LPR in January 2022:

• 14 missing individuals located

• 144 solved auto burglary cases

• Recovery of over 600 stolen vehicles

• 1,255 Hot List hits leading to successful actions

• 395 total arrests

• 49 illegal firearm recoveries

• Identification of 261 wanted persons

Furthermore, the technology has not only aided in criminal apprehension but has boosted officer morale.

Officers are equipped with tools that amplify their capabilities, allowing for strategic response planning, preventing dangerous pursuits, and enhancing safety for all parties involved.

HIGHLIGHTED CASES

Rapid Child Abduction Resolution
A child was reported abducted. A nearby Ring camera captured a description of the suspicious vehicle. The Flock Safety LPR system swiftly identified the unique vehicle, facilitating a quick resolution.

Speedway Robbery
A robbery occurred at a Speedway in Columbus. While Columbus PD had yet to respond, the Whitehall PD dispatch used a vehicle description from a nearby camera, input it into Flock, and guided nearby patrol officers to swiftly apprehend the suspect.

Gunshot Detection and LPR Synergy
Within the first 24 hours of activation, the Flock Safety Raven® audio detection and Flock Safety LPR led to an arrest. Responding officers reached the scene before the first 9-1-1 call came in, capturing the armed suspect in the act.

Experience the transformative power of Flock Safety and join the ranks of thousands of cities that are shaping a safer tomorrow.