CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – City Police Chief Michael Kochis says the Police Foundation is willing to fund a 1-year pilot program for what are called Flock Safety cameras… cameras that would take photos of mostly rear license plates available for police responses. Kochis in his report to City Council Monday night said there are a number of cases these 10 cameras in city entryways would be useful.
“Amber alert, Silver alert, Blue alert… when those alerts occur, out officers will be alerted immediately.”
“And we’ll be able to find that missing person, find that missing endangered adult, find that missing child.”
Kochis added, “It’s also a valuable tool for solving shootings, robberies, and stolen vehicles.”

Kochis said 85% of gun violence in the city involves a vehicle in some way, and outlined a couple of examples — such as the murder last year on Elliewood — where these cameras could have helped in an earlier apprehension. He also noted finding vehicles involved, and solving cases more quickly, helps alleviate the issues of retaliation we see among perpetrators of gun violence.

He says no one can be pulled on a Flock hit alone… there must be other ample evidence for that to happen. Click here to see the presentation documents.