Across the nation municipalities have been installing license plate reading cameras, then sharing the information they gather. The Orange Beach City Council approved a resolution to spend $81,000 on new Flock Safety cameras and software.

Flock Safety license plate reader cameras take snapshots of tags and alert law enforcement to stolen vehicles and wanted subjects. The software stores videos, and investigators can search for hotlist items such as dogs, backpacks or specific vehicles.

Orange Beach finance director Ford Handley told 1819 News the City has already tested one camera. The police department deemed the camera beneficial, so the City has decided to add four cameras and purchase a subscription with Flock Safety.

"We've seen benefits from it," Handley said. "As always, we make sure public safety is our number one priority. We're looking forward to adding these additional cameras that'll help us see who's coming and going."

The police department did not specify where the cameras would be installed.

Law enforcement agencies nationwide on the Flock Safety network can share data.

All council members present approved the resolution with no discussion. Councilmen Joni Blalock and Jeff Silvers were absent from Tuesday's meeting.