The Hockley County Commissioners’ Court held a special meeting on Monday with the group approving a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), the plans and Resolution 2025-1 between the Hockley County Sheriff’s Office and Flock Safety regarding Automated License Plate Recognition Cameras.
Doug Clements with South Plains Auto Theft Task Force spoke to the group about the process. Clements explained the agreement was between Hockley County and TxDOT while also ensuring the details which included the location of the cameras.
Originally four cameras were set to be added, but a fifth was recently added with no extra cost which will go on the west county line.
Maps were given to the Court to show where all cameras will be place.
Hockley County Judge Sharla Baldridge shared her concerns with the MOU as the documents outline what the county is responsible for. She added that County Attorney Anna Hord did review the documents and felt comfortable with the information provided.
One of those concerns dealt with owing any additional funds which Clements assured the Court all necessary funds have been paid for to Flock Safety. Additionally, while agreeing to the MOU with TxDOT, the county would not owe any monetary amount or responsibilities.
Clements explained that the installation piece has been a long process, but the next step is for TxDOT to approve all necessary items and the last phase of installation can begin. Dealing with 20 jurisdictions the process is roughly a month behind schedule.
Currently, there are roughly 80 Flock Safety cameras in place around Lubbock. Clements and his department are responsible for 18 of them while the remainder are under the control of TAG (Texas Anti-Gang Center).
With the deployment of the future cameras, there will be roughly 97 cameras throughout the South Plains. DPS will be pushing out approximately 1,134 throughout the state.
Hockley County Sheriff Chris Wischkaemper explained that phone calls to the corresponding law enforcement agency would have to be made to see if they had recorded a particular vehicle. Now, once the required training and cameras are installed, the department will have access to the system with the Flock Safety cameras.
Wischkaemper added that the system has already been useful as the department has received calls about particular vehicles being seen by the cameras.
The item was approved by the Court following the brief presentation.
The Court approved the retirement letter of Hockley County Librarian Amy Cantwell and will go into effect March 28. Additionally, two “in-house” candidates were considered for the position. Ultimately, Shawna Carpenter-Lopez was selected and approved for the position beginning March 31.
Housekeeping items approved by the Court included the minutes for the previous regular meeting scheduled January 20 and the approval of all monthly bills and claims submitted to the Court dated through January 27.