The use of flock cameras isn’t without controversy, but thanks to the technology, a flock camera in the City of Swainsboro was part of an investigation that led to an accused child molester being taken into custody.

The Swainsboro Police Department says a notification of a vehicle description was given and that vehicle was spotted entering the city on a flock camera. The notification said a person in the vehicle was wanted in Johnson County for child molestation.

Swainsboro officers located the vehicle, but the suspect had already fled on foot. A police K9 and an aerial drone were deployed to search for the suspect, and it was determined that he had been picked up by another vehicle.

As the search was progressing by officers and deputies with the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office reported that a family member of the suspect had indeed picked him up, but that he had turned himself into the Johnson County Jail.

Flock cameras are used in many cities as a networking tool that is used by law enforcement to provide real time notifications when a wanted or suspicious vehicle passes through them. Both Vidalia and Lyons utilize flock cameras as part of their means to patrol.