Roanoke Police Department uses Flock technology to locate missing man

April 23, 2026 - 02:43

The Roanoke Police Department successfully located a missing 75-year-old man on April 16th, crediting the use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader technology for the rapid resolution of the case. Authorities announced the positive outcome on Wednesday.

The system, which utilizes strategically placed cameras to read vehicle license plates, alerted officers to the whereabouts of the man's car. This critical lead allowed police to quickly pinpoint his location and ensure his well-being. The entire search and recovery operation was concluded efficiently, reuniting the man with his family without reported injury.

This incident highlights the growing role of such technology in supporting public safety initiatives, particularly in time-sensitive missing persons cases. Police officials emphasized that the automated alert provided a crucial starting point that traditional methods may not have yielded as quickly. The department reiterated its commitment to using available tools to protect vulnerable community members and bring missing individuals home safely.