Pocomoke PD looking to bring new surveillance tech to the area

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. – When you hear the word technology, you think of innovation, new, and easy.

Now the Pocomoke Police Department is looking to get some new tech in the name of safety. If a person fires a gun in the community and no ones around, does it get reported to police? New technology, making sure the answer is yes. “Our goal with the cameras is we want to build a perimeter around our city limits. And we want one as we want our community, even though we’re trying to do everything to keep our community and the citizens safe,” said Pocomoke Police Chief Arthur Hancock.

Pocomoke Police Chief Arthur Hancock requesting new surveillance cameras and the Shot Spotter system to better protect the area. He calls it a need as criminals get smarter. “A lot of your major crimes in today’s world are technology-based. A lot of things are solved by cameras, surveillance systems,” said Chief Hancock.

Shot spotter sends location information right to the authorities. “Statistics show that only about 20% of gunfire reports are actually reported nationwide to the police,” said Chief Hancock.

It’s technology already being used in Cambridge. “And it’s proven itself over and over again. Since it’s been deployed, we’ve been able to respond to scenes of shot fired calls much quicker, being able to pinpoint more exact locations,” said Chief Todd.

Chief Justin Todd says the Shot Spotter system helps to further cases that they couldn’t otherwise. “It’s also allowed us the ability to get search warrants out of hearing the gunshots through Shot Spotter or using their camera systems along with Shot Spotter technology,” said Chief Todd.

Chief Hancock says that’s why the tech is vital to bring to Pocomoke. “We want the criminals and the bad guys to know if you come in Pocomoke, commit a crime, we will identify you, we will locate, we will arrest you. And there is no doubt our state’s attorney will prosecute you,” said Chief Todd.

Chief Hancock says he has already started applying for grant funding to bring this technology to Pocomoke City!