A Brick man was arrested after police say he intentionally cut down a Flock camera at a local gas station.
On Thursday, Brick Police detectives arrested Matthew Wardell, 32, of Brick, and charged him with fourth-degree criminal mischief.
The investigation stems from July 8, when officers responded to the Exxon at 181 Drum Point Road after a Flock Safety camera was intentionally cut down.
Flock cameras have been gaining increased attention nationwide, with law enforcement agencies using the technology as an investigative tool while communities continue to debate their use.
Brick Police said Flock cameras are automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras designed to assist officers in identifying vehicles associated with criminal activity.
According to police, the cameras can help identify vehicles connected to reported crimes, locate stolen vehicles, investigate burglaries and thefts, provide investigators with leads when a vehicle is captured traveling through a camera location, establish timelines and patterns, and assist with investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Police emphasized that Flock cameras do not issue tickets, conduct traffic stops, or determine that someone committed a crime. Information obtained from the system is used as an investigative lead and evaluated by officers along with other evidence.
The department also reminded residents that intentionally damaging or destroying police equipment is a criminal offense.