License Plate Readers Contribute To Marietta's Falling Crime Rate

MARIETTA, GA -- During the nine months from July 2018 to March 2019, Marietta PD reported a city-wide 12% drop in crime year-over-year. Over the same time period, in areas in Marietta with Flock Safety’s automatic license plate reading (ALPR) cameras, the drop was nearly three times as high at 34%.

Officer Chuck McPhilamy from Marietta police confirmed the data, but said the department cannot attribute the difference solely to the addition of the Flock Safety devices. McPhilamy said the department does embrace the “fixed license plate reader” technology and has placed an order for 10 additional units, paying for the devices out of drug asset forfeiture money.

Ten Marietta neighborhoods use Flock Safety ALPR cameras to provide evidence to police and warn would-be thieves that they are on camera.

In January, the Marietta police launched its new SMILE (Systems in Marietta Intersecting with Law Enforcement) Program with an emphasis on connecting public and private cameras in the event of a crime. Now, investigators can reduce time walking neighborhoods to gather evidence and have sped up investigations.

In Marietta, Flock Safety’s ALPR system was responsible for the apprehension of a wanted felon as well as the recovery of a stolen vehicle in an ongoing investigation.