Calhoun County. AL. Matthew Wade, Calhoun County Sheriff and the Calhoun County Commissioners hosted a press conference to discuss a new camera system to be installed in unincorporated areas within Calhoun County. Flock Safety cameras are used to log and capture vehicles and tag information. This information can be used by the Sheriff’s Office to investigate crime in the area. Sheriff Wade spoke out about the possibility of using this system to help investigators find a kidnapped local woman. The suspect was later identified and tracked down in Kentucky.
The Sheriff stated that he and Calhoun County Commission had been working together since the incident to secure cameras for the County. The County Commission met to vote unanimously to enter into an agreement that would secure 10 cameras which will be strategically placed within Calhoun County. Access to the camera system can be made possible through the East Alabama Metro Crime Center, which is a hub for law enforcement agencies operating in and around Calhoun County.
Sheriff Wade addressed concerns raised in their research about this system. These cameras cannot be accessed except for criminal investigations. They are not traffic control devices or speed checking devices.
When asked when the system would be in place, Sheriff Wade replied that the commissioners had done their job, but that the State of Alabama has yet to approve it. He continued to say that there are many regulations that must be followed in order to use this system. “And that’s good because we want people’s privacy and rights protected. These cameras cannot be used to track anyone on a personal basis.”
The camera system will not be installed in unincorporated areas, but the Sheriff’s Office will work closely with any other agencies who request assistance. This system or one similar is used by many Calhoun County municipalities. It will be helpful to locate criminals who break the law in Anniston and flee to unincorporated areas of the County. Sheriff Wade explained that the locations for the cameras would not be made public so criminals won’t know where to hide. The system is portable and can be moved around depending on what the user needs.
Commissioner Terry Howell said, “I want to thank Sheriff Wade for leading this very important project in Calhoun County.” I am certain that the cameras used to locate the woman in Choccolocco saved her lives. I hope we can expand this program once the 10 cameras and 5 locations have been secured.
Commissioner Carolyn Henderson stated, “This is the best method to spend taxpayers money giving them something which may save their lives.” It will save one life.
Fred Wilson, Chairman of the Commission, stressed that “Safety is an urgent need for Calhoun County residents.” We want to support the Sheriff in his work. He said that it is hard work and a difficult job to be Sheriff. He said that the Commission was happy to support him.
Commissioner Lee Patterson stated, “We are conscious that the Sheriff is limited in resources. This is one way for him to increase his capabilities to ensure our safety. We are grateful to him for taking this initiative and, as always the Commissioners will support him and work with him to ensure the safety of all our residents and visitors. It is worth every penny if it saves even one life.
In a press conference, Commissioner Danny Shears stated that the technology was already in use in the County. We want it to be expanded beyond the municipal areas and to reach the rural areas. This is just a bit more support, and an additional tool to make County safer.
