License Plate Readers Helping to Solve Crimes Inside and Outside of Madison

Part of the updates that Madison City Commissioners received during their planning meeting on Monday was a report from Madison Police Chief Justin Meyer.  Meyer said that while calls for service have increased slightly each year for the past few years, that is to be expected as the community continues to grow. He said there’s nothing in those numbers that brings him any concern. 

Meyer also talked about the Flock Cameras that were installed in Madison in 2022. These cameras are license plate readers that take images of license plates of passing vehicles. The system can send alerts to MPD for cases such as stolen vehicles or suspects with active warrants. It can also be searched for vehicles in cases of interest. The searches are recorded and routinely audited to ensure proper use of the system. 

Meyer said the system has been a great tool for the department. 

Meyer says they’re using the system in ways they wouldn’t have thought of just a few years ago.

He said the system is also useful in locating runaways, or even locating individuals who may be a danger to themselves.