07/20/2026
🚔 Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, or maybe it’s because I’ve had the opportunity to spend many hours riding along with the Springfield Police Division. Whatever the reason, my opinion about Flock cameras has changed.
When I first heard about them, I wasn’t sure what to think. I had many of the same questions that other people have. But after seeing officers use them during real investigations, I’ve come to realize they are simply another tool that helps law enforcement do their job. 🚨
👨👧👦 One case I’ll never forget involved a father who had taken his two children. The father had outstanding warrants, and the situation became a kidnapping investigation. Time was critical. 🚔 Officers used every tool available to help locate him, including the Flock camera system. Thankfully, those two children were found safely and brought home. Seeing that firsthand made me realize how important every minute is when a child’s life may be at risk. 💙
🚨 Another night, while most of Springfield was asleep, two teenagers allegedly took their mother’s car after drinking a bottle of vodka. They drove through the city, sideswiping numerous parked cars and damaging property along the way. The front bumper eventually ripped off the vehicle and was left lying in the middle of the road.
🚔 As officers investigated, the Flock camera system helped provide valuable leads. We eventually located the damaged vehicle, and not far away the two teenagers were found walking away from it. They were arrested, and the investigation came together.
🚗 Most people had no idea any of this had happened while they were sleeping. The next morning they walked outside to find damage to their cars. Instead of wondering who hit them, many victims were able to contact the Springfield Police Division and learn what had happened so they could begin filing police reports and insurance claims. They had answers because officers were able to identify who was responsible.
🚓 I’ve also seen stolen vehicles recovered because investigators had another lead to follow. I’ve learned how these cameras can help in cases involving missing children, elderly people with dementia, or dangerous suspects. Every minute matters in those situations, and another investigative lead can make all the difference.
🚘 Every day, tens of thousands of vehicles travel through Springfield. The overwhelming majority are hardworking people simply going to work, taking their kids to school, running errands, or heading home.
Out of all those vehicles, maybe 9,999 have absolutely nothing to do with a crime.
🚨 But one might.
• One stolen vehicle.
• One car connected to a missing child.
• One hit-and-run driver.
• One dangerous suspect.
🚔 That one vehicle may be exactly what officers are looking for.
We ask our police officers to solve crimes, recover stolen property, find missing people, and protect our community. If we expect them to do that job, then we should want them to have every lawful investigative tool available.
🚨 Flock cameras don’t make arrests. They don’t replace police officers, detectives, or good investigative work.
They are simply a tool.
💙 And from what I’ve personally witnessed, sometimes one tool can make all the difference.
