DELAWARE — The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office’s artificial-intelligence camera fleet is about to grow.
Last week, the Delaware County commissioners approved an addition to the DCSO’s contract with Flock, which adds six new cameras to the network.
“We chose to invest in six additional cameras, which will be placed strategically using crime data analysis specific to our county,” Sheriff Jeff Balzer told Delaware Source.
The office already has 20 cameras in use around the 400 square miles that deputies serve.
These artificial intelligence-powered cameras are Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems. Law enforcement agencies use them to track and identify vehicles.
They do not utilize facial recognition, according to Flock’s website, but instead use AI to log physical vehicle characteristics. Characteristics can include: license plate number, make, model, color and identifying features like a bumper sticker.
“Once these new cameras are purchased, we will obtain permits and schedule their placement in and around several retail areas and along the southern county borderlines,” Balzer said.
“With strict adherence to our policies and procedures, this technology will continue to help us protect our community.”
This new round of cameras will cost $56,900 initially.
Flock is not new to Delaware County
The DCSO first implemented the cameras in 2024, and with their help since then, law enforcement officers have:
- Made 19 arrests
- Recovered 25 stolen vehicles
- Served numerous warrants for wanted persons
- And recovered $70,000 in stolen property
DCSO purchased and installed the initial 20 cameras for $74,200, with $3,000 in annual maintenance and services for each camera, totaling an annual cost of $60,000 in upkeep.
Flock cameras are in use across the United States, serving more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies, 6,000 communities and 1,000 businesses, according to Flock’s website.
The Delaware Police Department also operates 17 cameras within city limits.
There are also homeowners’ associations and construction sites that privately own and operate cameras, Police Chief Adam Moore previously said.
Previous coverage:
Open Source: How many Flock AI cameras are in Delaware? Are more coming?
Delaware Police use Flock AI cameras to track vehicles, sparking privacy debates — visit the station to learn how they work.
