Logan County 911 says it does not use AI-based Flock cameras

Logan County 911 is assuring residents that its network of traffic cameras is not connected to the Flock Safety license plate reader system.

Logan County 911 says any Flock Safety devices observed near the Fountain Place Mall in Logan are privately owned and not accessible to law enforcement or county officials

Logan County 911 says it does not use AI-based Flock cameras

Robert Fields | WVOW News

LOGAN The agency’s statements come as rumors of the AI-based tech have circulated locally on social media platforms after the devices were observed in the Fountain Place Mall area.

Officials say the county's intersection cameras have been in place since 2023 and were installed to give dispatchers and first responders live views of dangerous intersections during crashes, severe weather and other emergencies.

The agency says the cameras only provide a live video stream. They do not record or store footage, use license plate recognition, facial recognition, artificial intelligence or speed monitoring.

Logan County 911 also says only dispatch supervisors can move the cameras, and any movement can be seen by the public on the same livestream used by emergency responders.

“From the beginning of this project, Logan County 911 and the Logan County Commission have worked to be transparent about these cameras,” the agency said on social media. “The live streams are publicly available through EarthCam. Anyone can view the same live conditions being viewed by Logan County 911 and responding agencies at any time.”

Officials say any Flock-style cameras near Fountain Place Mall are privately owned.

“It is our understanding that the Flock cameras observed in the Fountain Place Mall area are privately operated and are not owned, installed, accessed, or controlled by the Logan County Commission, Logan County 911, local law enforcement, or any county emergency-service agency,” the agency said.

“Lowe’s publicly acknowledges using automated license-plate-reader technology at some of its store properties for security, fraud-prevention, and asset-protection purposes. However, Logan County officials cannot independently confirm ownership of the specific cameras located in the mall area.”

PHOTO | Flock Safety