Willoughby-Eastlake School District installs license plate readers as part of security efforts

Marah Morrison, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Mar. 26—The Willoughby-Eastlake School District recently used funds from a safety grant to purchase five Flock Safety license plate readers.

Two readers have been installed on the Eastlake North High School campus and three on the Willoughby South High School campus.

According to the district, the license plate reader system enables law enforcement personnel to identify vehicles that have been linked to criminal activity, such as stolen automobiles, retail theft, Amber Alerts or drug trafficking.

"The district has implemented many safety measures to ensure that our staff, students and visitors are safe on our campuses," said Superintendent Patrick Ward. "The Flock cameras add an additional layer of security and will provide our local police departments with valuable information should someone enter our high school campuses in a vehicle that may have been involved in illegal activities."

The full-service technology is utilized by more than 3,000 communities across the United States, according to the Flock company.

The district used $30,000 in grant funds awarded to them from the Ohio Attorney General's Office to help pay for the $31,250 Flock Platform.

According to the district's Department of Operations and Security, there are 16 buildings and more than 275 acres of land that are managed. The department has been working to improve security across the district.

"The idea for the Flock cameras was generated after collaborating with local law enforcement and local business entities who have been successful in using the system to gather information when investigating crimes," said Steve Johnson, coordinator of Operations and Security. "This is another tool in our toolbox that allows us to be proactive in securing our campuses."

Additionally, the district participates in the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, a free safety resource available to all Ohio schools. According to the district, the tip line serves as an anonymous reporting system that accepts tips via call, text, webform and mobile app 24 hours a day.

The tip line, which can be used by downloading the Safer Ohio School Tip Line app or by using the webform, allows students and adults to anonymously share information with school officials, as well as law enforcement about threats to student safety.

Tips can be submitted to 844-723-3764.