Ovilla installs license plate reader camera

OVILLA – If you are trying to stay away from the law, your best bet is to stay out of Ovilla. Earlier this year the city installed what is called the FLOCK SAFETY license plate reader camera.

“The camera reads the license plates of vehicles passing by in order that we can get suspect information should a vehicle be used in a crime in town,” Ovilla Police Chief Brian Windham said.

The camera is located in the northern sector of town. Windham said the camera recently identified a stolen vehicle from the state of Louisiana.

“After receiving notice of the stolen vehicle from the camera, an officer intercepted the vehicle and was able to get a stop on it,” Windham explained.

“Ultimately the driver was arrested for the stolen vehicle – and a quantity of methamphetamine.”

Turned out too, the passenger was arrested for 19 outstanding warrants from Louisiana, 14 of which were felonies. The passenger also had a forged ID and counterfeit checks in his possession.

Ovilla Mayor Richard Dormier said he is pleased with the camera.

“We have been pleased with the results, and have had inquiries from some of our HOA’s to see if they can use similar technology to aid in reducing crime in their areas,” he commented.

Windham said the FLOCK SAFETY license plate reader camera was purchased solely with money from the Ovilla Service League, donated each year to either the police or fire departments in the city.

“At this time, the city has not spent any money for the camera,” Windham added. “However, it is included in the budget for next year. I think the cost of the camera is currently around $2,000.”

Ovilla also has bragging rights to being possibly the first police department in the area to use this particular camera. Windham said he heard about the cameras after researching the technology and receiving an email from FLOCK SAFETY. Now several other cities are beginning to use these cameras too, he said.

“The camera provides extra eyes for us as vehicles come and go from the city,” Windham concluded. “Should a crime occur, we will possibly capture the vehicle and license plate on camera and have a starting point for identifying the suspects. It is technology that we can leverage to help fight crime and keep our community safe.”