Flock Safety camera helped find Everett murder suspect

EVERETT, SEPT. 27: Everett Chief of Police John DeRousse gave an update on the Flock Safety system and the city of Everett received a grant for police health and wellness.

DeRousse swore in officer Seth Zaragoza and gave an update on the Flock Safety camera system which was approved by the city council in May.

The grant-funded Flock Safety cameras are utilized to capture reported license plates and monitor high crime areas before police arrive on the scene.

Everett PD began installing the cameras on Sept. 8, DeRousse said. Currently, 63 of the 74 cameras are installed around the city.

There have been 21 flock-related instances resulting in officers contacting people. Seven have resulted in arrests, seven stolen vehicles and a gun recovered, and four involved confiscating large amounts of drugs DeRousse said.

Flock safety was utilized in this weekends fatal domestic dispute that left two dead and one injured. Officers were able to enter the license plate of the suspect into the Flock system and 10 minutes later a camera notified the officers of the location of the car, DeRousse said.

“I share these stories with you because we’re pretty excited about the impact it’s already having…” DeRousse said.

Mayor Cassie Franklin announced that the city of Everett received a $187,000 grant from the Department of Justice for Everett’s Police Health and Wellness Program.

“This grant will help us with employee retention, reduce burnout and hopefully help improve our team’s quality of life,” Franklin said.

Franklin also issued a proclamation last night noting Sept. 29 as Veterans of Foreign Wars Day (VFW). VFW is a nonprofit veteran service that advocates for veterans. Sept. 29 is VFW 125th anniversary.

Next week (Sept. 30-Oct. 4) is National Week Without Driving. This is an opportunity for those who usually drive to experience other modes of transportation.

“There are about a third of people living in the U.S. with disabilities, young people or seniors who can’t afford cars or gas, and this is their everyday… I encourage everyone who can to spend a week withought driving…,” Franklin said.

Lastly, Monte Cristo Award nominations have been extended to Oct. 13. You can learn more about the award here.