Irmo Police address questions following expansion of Flock Safety camera network

The Town of Irmo and the Irmo Police Department are responding to questions and misinformation following the recent announcement that the town will expand its Flock Safety camera network from 11 to 33 strategically placed locations.

According to the department, the cameras are designed to capture images of the rear of vehicles and read license plates to assist in criminal investigations. Police emphasized that the cameras do not use facial recognition technology and are not intended to identify drivers or passengers.

The cameras are primarily located at major entry and exit points throughout Irmo and are used as investigative tools to help identify vehicles connected to crimes, including stolen vehicles, missing persons cases, kidnappings, violent offenses, burglaries, and other serious investigations.

The department said the system is not monitored to track the movements of law-abiding citizens and is intended solely to provide investigators with leads during criminal investigations.

Police officials said the existing network has already contributed to numerous investigations by helping recover stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and generate investigative leads. They said expanding the network will provide additional coverage at key access points throughout the town.

Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale said the department has a responsibility to use available technology to help protect the community.

“If a child is abducted, a violent criminal flees our town, or a family is desperately waiting for answers after a loved one goes missing, I never want to look them in the eye and say, ‘We could have used technology that might have helped, but we chose not to,'” Dale said.

Dale said the cameras are intended to help solve crimes, locate victims, and hold offenders accountable.

“Our mission has never been to track the daily lives of honest citizens. Our mission is, and always will be, to protect this community and the people who call it home,” he said.

The department also addressed several misconceptions about the technology.

Police said the cameras are not used to track residents’ daily movements but instead identify vehicles associated with criminal investigations. Officials also reiterated that the cameras do not use facial recognition technology and are not part of a government surveillance program. Rather, they said, the system is focused on public safety by helping recover stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, identify suspects, and provide investigators with valuable leads.

The department acknowledged that the introduction of new technology can raise legitimate privacy concerns and said it welcomes questions from the public. Officials emphasized that transparency is important and encouraged residents seeking additional information to contact the Irmo Police Department directly at t 803-781-8088.