Sheriff, DCSO adapt to changing crime
Darlington County Sheriff James Hudson Jr. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
An example of the new Flock Safety Cameras, which will be installed this week in strategic locations around Darlington County. IMAGE COURTESY DCSO
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Sheriff James Hudson Jr. and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) are taking another significant step in combating crime by acquiring eight Flock Safety cameras to enhance public safety across the county. These advanced cameras, five of which are stationary while three are portable, will be strategically placed in key areas to maximize coverage. The unobtrusive portable units can be moved to respond dynamically to evolving criminal activity and security threats, giving the DCSO flexibility in adapting to changing conditions. Most notably, the cameras were purchased entirely with confiscated drug money, ensuring that no taxpayer funds were used. Workmen will begin installing the cameras within a week.
Sheriff Hudson’s forward-thinking approach reflects his deep commitment to staying ahead of emerging crime trends. For over a year, Hudson and his department have been meticulously planning this initiative. “We recognized the changing landscape of crime and knew we needed to adapt to better serve and protect our community,” said Hudson. His commitment to proactive, vigilant law enforcement has been central to his leadership, ensuring that Darlington County remains at the forefront of crimefighting technology.
However, this initiative didn’t come without challenges. The Sheriff’s Office had to negotiate with private property owners to place some of the cameras in optimal locations. While this process was time-consuming, the successful negotiations demonstrate the DCSO’s dedication to community collaboration, ensuring that the cameras are positioned where they can make the greatest impact.
Flock Safety cameras offer a state-of-the-art solution for law enforcement. These devices capture detailed information about vehicles, including license plates, make, model, and color, which is then sent to a secure server. The data is cross-referenced with national databases of stolen vehicles and other criminal alerts. If a match is found, the system provides real-time notifications to law enforcement officers, enabling swift action. The cameras even utilize AI and Vehicle Fingerprint technology to identify vehicles without visible plates, further enhancing their effectiveness in tracking down potential threats.
Flock Safety places a high emphasis on privacy, employing top-tier encryption to protect data. The company ensures that customers, in this case, the Sheriff’s Office, retain full ownership of their data. Their devices are also cost-effective, requiring minimal infrastructure, and have proven successful in reducing crimes such as vehicle theft and package theft. The system’s ability to send immediate alerts to deputies’ phones when a flagged vehicle is spotted by any of the cameras adds an additional layer of protection for the community.
These Flock cameras are only the latest in a series of innovative crimefighting tools employed by the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to adopting cutting-edge technology, the DCSO is currently beginning the process of accreditation with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA). SCLEA, established in 1999, is the state’s official accrediting body for law enforcement agencies. Its voluntary program aims to uphold professional standards tailored to local needs while ensuring adherence to state laws, expert insights, and best practices. SCLEA’s mandatory standards are achievable by agencies of all sizes, with the methods of compliance determined by the agency CEO. Managed by a non-profit governing council, SCLEA oversees the accreditation process and meets quarterly to certify agencies that meet its rigorous requirements.
By combining modern technology with best practices in law enforcement, Sheriff Hudson and the DCSO continue to set a high bar for public safety in Darlington County.
