Auburn Police Fight Crime with License Plate Readers

AUBURN, Washington. – The Auburn Police Department has announced plans to install 20 license plate recognition cameras to help solve and reduce crime.

Developed by Flock Safety, a public safety technology company, the cameras are designed to help neighborhoods, communities and police work together to improve public safety.

Flock Safety's LPR cameras send real-time alerts to police when a stolen vehicle or a vehicle linked to a known suspect is detected in state or national crime databases. The system also helps locate vehicles linked to missing persons through AMBER or Silver alerts.

According to Auburn Police, the Flock system helps solve crimes by providing objective evidence needed to close cases. The International Association of Chiefs of Police reports that 7 out of 10 crimes involve a vehicle, highlighting the importance of these cameras to law enforcement.

Unlike traditional surveillance systems, Flock Safety LPR cameras capture only vehicle details – such as license plates and features – and avoid personal information such as faces. Data from these cameras is only accessible through authorized searches and is never sold or shared with third parties. The cameras are designed to capture property and violent crime rather than minor traffic violations.

“Flock security cameras have become an indispensable tool in keeping the public safe,” said Auburn Police Chief Mark Caillier. “In the short time they have been in use in Auburn, they have already been used to recover stolen vehicles and arrest suspects in two homicide cases.”

Flock Safety cameras are already in use in more than 5,000 communities across the country. The company reports that its technology helps solve 10% of reported crimes in the U.S. In some communities, crime rates have dropped by as much as 70%.

Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety, emphasized the importance of community partnerships to improve public safety. “We are proud to partner with the Auburn Police Department and assist them in ensuring public safety,” Langley said.

Auburn Police are optimistic that the installation of these LPR cameras will support ongoing crime reduction efforts in the city.

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