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TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () – In a bid to enhance safety on the island, the Tybee Island Police Department has recently installed a new license plate reader at Lazaretto Creek Bridge. This installation is part of a larger initiative aimed at bolstering security measures across the area.
According to the department, this advanced technology has already proven instrumental in solving crimes and facilitating rapid emergency responses.
With some confusion circulating online about these devices, officials are keen to clarify their purpose and function on Tybee Island.
Captain Emory Randolph of the Tybee Island Police explained that the recently added Flock system at Lazaretto Creek Bridge complements the existing network of license plate readers across the island.
“It’s crucial to dispel the misinformation surrounding these devices,” Randolph emphasized. “When engaging with content on social media, ensure the information is accurate. Unlike traditional cameras that stream continuous video, these devices are specialized license plate readers. They do not provide live video feeds but instead relay vehicle data to our officers for enhanced security efforts.”
He said license plate readers have been used on Tybee Island since 2022. There are currently 28 devices in place, with plans to expand to 33.
“Throughout their history here on the island, they’ve helped us solve a wide variety of crimes and other incidents, everything from felony theft to hit and run to a shooting, and even allows us to assist people who might be in mental health crisis, such as somebody with suicidal ideations or even somebody that has dementia,” Randolph said.
Randolph said while the island is a relatively safe community, tools like these help officers respond faster and stay ahead of potential threats.
“It’s important to remember that there’s no magical forcefield that’s protecting the island. That’s the men and women of the town police department that are working hard 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. And so if we can stack the deck against the people who are coming down here to commit horrible crimes, then you better believe that we’re going to do that,” he said.
He continued, “These devices certainly are controversial and there’s nothing that I could say that would change somebody’s opinion. But what I will do is confront them with the truth and say that if this was your property that was stolen, your family member that was in danger, you would definitely want us to use every tool that we had available to help that person or to recover your property.”
Randolph said this is just another tool in the toolbox used to help keep Tybee Island safe, and the department plans to continue using it as part of broader public safety efforts.