Program Summary

Cameras have long been an effective crime-fighting tool for Sugar Land neighborhoods and businesses. They have successfully served as a deterrent and also a forensic tool to solve crimes after they occur. Continued interest from business districts and neighborhood associations to expand the reach of their cameras resulted in funding for a network of similar crime prevention cameras along public roadways. The cameras planned along entrances to Sugar Land are identical to those which have been used by the City for years in patrol cars and several stationary locations in the Town Center area and city parks.
The cameras are a passive, non-monitored system used to locate suspect vehicles after a crime occurs. The camera locations will include license plate recognition, the same technology already used in patrol vehicles. License plate recognition cameras scan license plates and notify officers of stolen vehicles, amber alerts, and more. All images captured in this system create a searchable data bank of license plates that can be used as an investigative tool to help narrow possible leads for crimes in given areas.

Many cities across the country use cameras for similar purposes, but none are using them in the exact way that Sugar Land envisions. The passive system with LPR capability uses proven technology to address the unique needs of Sugar Land. Sugar Land’s camera system video will be:

  • Confined to public roadways and parks
  • Stored for 30 days
  • Unavailable to third parties
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