Ozark PD asking for more license plate reading cameras
OZARK, Mo. – The Ozark Police Department is hoping to add more equipment to help them fight crime.
At the board of aldermen meeting on Feb. 3, police asked the city if they could get more license plate reading cameras.
'It is a tool that can't really be matched as far as the leads that it provides,' said Captain Derek Hill.
The city already has three license plate reading cameras, called Flock cameras.
The cameras are normally set up at intersections and scan the plates of cars passing by to see if they are connected to any crimes.
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OPD is asking for six more cameras, giving them nine in total.
'If you're looking for specific vehicles or you're looking for something that is related to a crime that you're investigating really helps narrow down and save time for our investigators,' Cpt. Hill said during the aldermen meeting. 'So it's invaluable. It's something that is a fantastic tool for us.'
Other cities in the area, like Springfield, have used Flock cameras for years.
'We reach to that information every day,' said Cris Swaters with the Springfield Police Department.
However, residents who spoke to Ozarks First have differing viewpoints. Some say they feel the cameras are too intrusive, while others think the cameras are necessary.
'I think it's a great idea so long to say, prioritize privacy and innocent people,' said Ozark neighbor Jared Robbins.
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The Springfield Police Department has 28 license plate reading cameras.
'We can't be everywhere all at once at the same time,' Swaters said. 'So tools like the Flock camera really are a force multiplier and help us take information from citizens, whether it's a stolen vehicle or we're working on another criminal investigation that involves a vehicle.'
They say these cameras help solve crimes faster.
'That information is absolutely invaluable to the department and absolutely help solve crimes,' Swaters said.
The Ozark Board of Aldermen is expected to vote on this Feb. 17.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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