Flock Safety Cameras help Caldwell County deputies

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                             

     Camera technology in Caldwell County is already proving to be a powerful new tool for law enforcement. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office recently rolled out Flock Safety cameras throughout the county and says they’re already making a difference.

     “These cameras are designed to capture rear license plate information only and provide valuable investigative leads to assist Deputies in locating vehicles connected to criminal activity,” the Sheriff’s Office shared in a social media announcement.

     On day one of the system going live, deputies teamed up with Buda Police and successfully apprehended a wanted individual accused of child abuse in Caldwell County. That quick win underscored just how effective the technology can be right out of the gate.

     According to the Sheriff’s Office, the Flock Safety system helps law enforcement track down potential criminals by capturing key vehicle data like license plate numbers, make, model, and color as cars pass by the cameras. These devices use LTE connectivity to upload the data to the cloud in real time, allowing authorized users, like deputies or dispatchers, to quickly access it when needed.

     The cameras are also connected to national databases. Specifically, they’re integrated with the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) “hotlist,” which flags wanted or stolen vehicles. If a Flock camera detects a match, it immediately sends out a real-time alert to local law enforcement, giving them the chance to act quickly.

     Beyond active crime prevention, these cameras can serve as valuable investigative tools. Officers can search past footage by entering specific license plate numbers or filtering by vehicle type, color, and date range. This helps narrow down suspects or track movements tied to ongoing investigations.

    The technology isn’t limited to law enforcement, either. Homeowners’ associations, apartment complexes, and businesses have also started using Flock cameras to enhance their own security and collect evidence in case of theft or vandalism.

    One of the key benefits, the Sheriff’s Office notes, is that Flock Safety cameras are focused on vehicle data only, they do not use facial recognition or attempt to identify individuals. This helps address some privacy concerns while still providing a proactive approach to crime prevention.

     Caldwell County isn’t the first in Central Texas to adopt this system. In 2024 report, agencies like the Round Rock Police Department, Pflugerville Police Department, Buda Police Department, and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office already use Flock cameras as part of their public safety strategy.

     With early success and strong community support, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office says it looks forward to expanding the system and using it as another tool to help keep the community safe.