DELANO, Calif. (KERO) – According to Delano Police, the installation of Flock cameras in Delano has dramatically reduced crime rates after only a year of use.
- There were three cases of credit card skimmer activity in Delano last year, and one of the cases has already been solved thanks to the installation of Flock cameras. Delano Police believe these cameras have reduced the number of these and similar incidents.
- In an interview with Police Chief Jerry Nicholson in February, he said that thanks to these cameras, the police department saw a 22.6% decrease in crime in 2023.
- Since August 13, overall crime in the city has fallen by 56% compared to last year.
In February, 23ABC profiled the new flock cameras that were installed in the city of Delano. They’re meant to make solving cases a little easier, and according to the police department, that statement has proven to be a bit of an understatement. Police Chief Jerry Nicholson says they’ve changed everything.
“Traditionally, a police officer would have to drive all over town and if he sees a vehicle that is not in the right place, he would check the license plate,” said Police Chief Nicholson. “Now, with the flock cameras, the vehicle simply drives in front of it and the officer in the police vehicle is alerted within 15 to 20 seconds.”
According to Police Chief Nicholson, the installation of herd cameras has reduced the stress level in solving cases.
Today, almost a year later and with a total of 45 cameras, the technology is proving useful, and not only in cases such as expired vehicle registrations.
Chief Nicholson told me that the Flock cameras made a critical difference in financial fraud cases such as card skimmers.
“We’ve only had three cases reported at a local bank, and of those three, we were able to arrest one using our flock cameras. He was observed leaving the bank and our local flock camera captured him,” said Police Chief Nicholson.
Although the cameras have done a great job in solving cases, Police Chief Nicholson says they have also been a great help in deterring crime.
In a February interview, he told 23ABC that overall crime in Delano fell 22.6% in 2023 and has now nearly doubled.
“Currently, as of August 13, we are seeing a 56% decrease in overall crime in the city compared to last year, which is very significant for us,” said Police Chief Nicholson.
The cameras have also helped reduce the number of stolen vehicles.
“We have reduced the number of stolen vehicles in the city by over 50%. In 2024, we will actually exceed 2023 numbers by about 20-30%,” said Police Chief Nicholson.
He says that while these cameras are a great resource, the success of the flock cameras is due to the officers who arrive on the scene.
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