Joplin mayor says Flock cameras are a valuable crime-fighting tool

Joplin Mayor Rob O'Brian defended the city's use of Flock license plate reader cameras Monday, saying the technology has become an important crime-fighting tool while new safeguards are in place to prevent abuse.

Speaking on Newstalk KZRG's Morning Newswatch, O'Brian said he recently rode with Joplin police officers to see how the camera system works firsthand.

The nationwide network automatically scans license plates and alerts officers when a vehicle matches one tied to an Amber Alert, stolen vehicle or criminal investigation.

The system has drawn criticism from some residents who worry about privacy because the cameras continuously scan passing vehicles.

He said they are only designed to alert officers when a vehicle matches information entered into the system, such as a stolen vehicle or one associated with an Amber Alert.

"You say it's always on, but it's actually on and looking for that specific vehicle," O'Brian said. "It has the chance to flag the system if it's a stolen car, if it's something that's been involved in a crime in Joplin."

O'Brian also pointed to policy changes made after the department investigated misuse of the system earlier this year, saying multiple supervisors now oversee the technology and that alerts are "triple checked before there's action."

"It's a useful tool," O'Brian said. "It actually helps make up for only having so many officers on the street at any one time."

His comments come months after the Joplin Police Department revised its policies following allegations that the system had been improperly accessed.

O'Brian said multiple supervisors now review alerts before officers take any enforcement action, adding another layer of accountability.

Beyond public safety technology, O'Brian urged residents not to underestimate this week's dangerous heat as temperatures approach 100 degrees and heat index values climb as high as 110 degrees.

"It is very extreme heat, and it can catch up to you very quickly," he said.

O'Brian said city officials have not received reports of heat-related illnesses involving first responders despite police officers and firefighters working outdoors in heavy protective gear. He credited residents for taking precautions and event organizers for providing water stations and shaded areas during weekend activities.

To help residents escape the heat, the city continues to operate cooling centers at City Hall, the Joplin Public Library, and the Public Safety Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Economic Security Corporation also maintains a list of additional cooling locations throughout the area.

O'Brian also promoted Joplin's new Lead Safe program, a $3.5 million initiative aimed at protecting families from lead hazards in older homes.

The federally funded program provides free inspections, soil testing, and lead-paint remediation for qualifying homes built before 1978. It is designed primarily for households with young children or pregnant women who meet income guidelines.

O'Brian said Joplin's history of lead mining makes the program especially important because even dust from aging lead-based paint can pose serious health risks.

The program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with the federal government covering 90% of the cost and the city providing the remaining local match.

Officials expect the funding to help remediate lead hazards in roughly 80 to 90 homes.