meetNKY and the City of Erlanger partner to beta-test cameras around hotels
ERLANGER, Ky. (September X, 2024) – meetNKY and the City of Erlanger, Ky. have partnered to beta-test Flock Safety Cameras to enhance public safety around several hotels in the area. The project arose from the need for improved police services in high-call areas around interstate exits and hotels located near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
“We know that travelers prioritize safety when researching new places to visit,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of meetNKY. “While visiting Gwinnett, Ga. earlier this year with the Northern Kentucky Chamber, I spent a lot of time speaking with Lisa Anders, the CEO of their CVB, and she spoke about their investment in Flock Cameras to improve visitor safety at hotels along I-75. Many of the hotels in Erlanger are located at a critical intersection of I-75 and I-275. In speaking with our hotel partners and the City we decided to take this first step into destination stakeholder development and partnered on this one-year beta test with the City.”
The use of cameras was suggested as a modern, technology-based approach, offering an alternative to traditional methods like inspecting hotel guest books, which may raise privacy concerns. In the end, Erlanger City Council chose a solution that carefully balances safety needs with respect for privacy and constitutional considerations. meetNKY provided a portion of the funds to the City to make the pilot program possible.
Erlanger Police Chief Kyle Rader reports that the Flock Cameras have already shown their impact by recovering a stolen vehicle and led to a warrant arrest near Donaldson Highway.
"The deployment of Flock Cameras gives our officers another tool to keep our community safe. The technology allows us to quickly respond to incidents, and with the additional data, it will be much harder for criminals to operate in Erlanger or the surrounding area. Our team continues to excel, and with tools like these, we have even more opportunities to learn and improve," said Rader.
The cameras operate around the clock and use AI and machine learning to provide detailed data. Flock Cameras emphasize ethical innovation, with stringent privacy controls and data retention policies. The footage is only pulled in the event of an incident reported to local law enforcement.
"Our police department is already exceptional, and with the addition of Flock technology, they are leveling up,” said Jessica Fette, Mayor of the City of Erlanger. “I’d like to thank Julie Kirkpatrick and meetNKY for partnering with us to come up with a solution that puts public safety first. I’m proud that Erlanger is taking a leadership role in testing technology that could benefit the entire region."
The beta test in Erlanger could serve as a catalyst for wider adoption throughout the region, unifying law enforcement departments and improving public safety in Northern Kentucky. To learn more about meetNKY, visit meetNKY.com. To learn more about the City of Erlanger, visit erlangerky.gov.
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About meetNKY:
meetNKY drives quality of life and economic growth for Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development. Learn more at meetNKY.com and visitycincy.com.
About the City of Erlanger, KY:
The City of Erlanger, known as the "Friendship City," is a vibrant community located in the heart of Northern Kentucky. Guided by the mission of performing collectively to provide exemplary services for our community with integrity and pride, Erlanger is dedicated to fostering economic growth, enhancing quality of life, and preserving green spaces for future generations. As a suburban hub with close ties to Greater Cincinnati, the city combines small-town charm with modern amenities and innovative development projects. Erlanger’s commitment to public safety, family-friendly initiatives, and workforce development programs positions it as a place where businesses thrive and residents flourish. With its focus on building a bright future, Erlanger invites everyone to be a part of what's next. For more information, visit erlangerky.gov.