HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's a one-of-it's-kind security system in northeastern Pennsylvania, and a Luzerne County Police Department says it continues to pay dividends.
Hazleton Police say it helped lead to the arrest of two suspected gunman after shots rang out in a neighborhood in the middle of the afternoon.
It's called the Flock Safety Raven System. It combines hi-tech cameras and listening devices to help track and possibly prevent crime
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The sound of gunshots in Hazleton last Friday afternoon was picked up by the Flock Safety Raven System.
"The officers were already out and about the Flock, the Raven System activated, told them there was a shooting in the area of 17th and Grant Streets in that vicitinty. Officers were able to get there within seconds of the notification and actually catch the vehicle fleeing the scene," said Hazleton City Police Department Chief Brian Schoonmaker.
A hot pursuit ensued with two suspected shooters arrested, Maiqui Diaz and Francisco Montilla.
The system includes 60 cameras and just as many "listening devices" placed in various parts of the city.
Chief Schoonmaker says it increases response times for his officers.
"You know, in the past, we received a 911 call, 'Well, I think I heard gunfire here.' Then somebody calls, 'I think they heard them here.' You have three or four different locations. Where the Flock and Raven System tries to pinpoint that location as close as it can to you," Chief Schoonmaker explained.
The system was launched about three years ago and continues to be expanded in the city and nearby communities. Cameras and "Electronic ears," as they are called, are placed at key entrance and exit points in the city.
"Oh, it's a game changer for us. Between wanted people coming into the city, notifies us of stolen cars, stolen license plates," Chief Schoonmaker continued.
Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat says the costs the city about $200,000 a year.
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"It's been wonderful. It's proven it's worth many, many times over," Mayor Cusat stated.
Longtime Hazleton resident Ron Sharkey would like to see the system expanded.
"It's something that is needed. If you have them in three or four different areas, it's going to help, that help the whole community," Starkey said.
Chief Schoonmaker says the system has helped lead to the arrest of hundreds of crime suspects that might otherwise not have been arrested.
