Despite being at least 1,200 officers short, the Houston Police Department has been placing a lot of emphasis on increasing the number of license plate scanning cameras. The question remains, however, whether technology alone can enhance security in Houston.
Doug Griffith, the president of the Houston Police Officer’s Union, emphasized that while these cameras can be helpful, they do not replace the need for more officers on the ground. Griffith stressed the importance of having more personnel to address the security concerns in the city.
With over 3,800 plate reading cameras already in operation, Houston has the highest number of these devices in the area. Additionally, plans are underway to invest $1 million in acquiring 60 new cameras. While these cameras can be a useful tool in targeting violent offenders, Griffith reiterated that they are not a substitute for the presence of law enforcement officers in the community.
Ultimately, the fundamental reality is that cameras alone cannot effectively address violent crime and security issues in Houston. The union president emphasized the importance of having an adequate number of officers on patrol to effectively maintain public safety.