‘Innovative solutions’: Clovis Police deploy new security ‘COW’ car

The department turned an old squad car into a surveillance tool to monitor the city.

It is fitted with two cameras on top and a solar panel to keep it charged.

Sgt. Abby Padgett says the “COW car” is strictly for surveillance, and there will not be an officer inside.

“The Clovis Police Department prided themselves on being forward-thinking when it comes to technology. We are always looking for innovative solutions to fighting crime,” Padgett said.

The cameras are high resolution with a 360-degree scope, and they send a live feed back to the department headquarters.

That feed is automatically recorded for up to a week. This comes just a couple of weeks after the department also invested in a fleet of drones.

Padgett says they will keep updating their technology as long as the criminals keep updating theirs.

“The goal with this vehicle is to deploy it into high traffic areas or places that have seen a spike in crime so that we can try and record what’s going on,” Padgett said.

She says community members can even call the police department to request the car park in their area if they are concerned about security.

“If you are a business owner and you’ve seen multiple break-ins, for instance, please give us a call and we can set up in your area,” Padgett said.

The department deployed the car this month and used it at ClovisFest.

Padgett says those in a public place like the festival, have no right to privacy.

“There are cameras everywhere. And you may think that the traffic cameras are invasive, but we have satellites up everywhere. Google drives around and films our houses. So just know that when you are in public, that is what is expected,” Padgett said.

She says the car can sit at each location for up to a week.

She warns criminals to watch out, because the guard COW is on duty.