HPD Is Relying On Technology To Fight Crime During The Officer Shortage

With the HPD still at least 1,200 officers short, there has been a lot of focus on adding more license plate scanning cameras.

But does technology mean more security, especially here in Houston?

"These cameras, though they're a force multiplier, they do not take away from our need for manpower" said Doug Griffith, president of Houston Police Officer's Union, "We need more boots on the ground."

They need more boots on the ground, but as for the cameras? Right now Houston has over 3,800 plate reading cameras which is the most in the station, with plans to spend $1 million dollars on 60 new ones.

"It's a good tool, but it's only that. It's just a tool to go after violent offenders" Griffith told KTRH, "But it doesn't change the fact that we have to have more manpower on the streets to go after those."

The reality is, cameras can't combat violent crime.