Lot Cops proving to be useful tools in scaring off thieves

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — When you’re shopping across the metro, one of the first things you see in the parking lots may be big yellow trailers with tall poles, called Lot Cops

Channel 2’s Lauren Pozen went to Douglas County where police showed her how the surveillance system offers an extra set of eyes to keep you safe.

“I knew cameras were in use, that’s exactly why I parked here. Everybody wants to feel safe,” shopper Kim Hosecolth said.

Pozen counted three Lot Cops at the Walmart off Thornton Road in Douglas County.

Ethan Mease, with Walmart, walked Pozen through the surveillance system. He said the goal is to make criminals think twice.

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“The devices have solar panels and are equipped with three high definition cameras with strobe lights and spotlights, and even the ability to speak with customers on the outside with microphones,” Mease said.

The Lot Cops are also equipped with solar panels to help keep the cameras charged up. There’s three high-definition cameras recording constantly.

The cameras also have the ability to zoom in anywhere in the parking lot and even into the properties next door.

The cameras also give police an extra resource.

Channel 2 Action News reported last February about an off-duty U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a man in the Walmart parking lot.

Douglasville police told Pozen that the Lot Cop recorded the entire incident and the agent purposely drove to one knowing that.

Customers Pozen spoke with say they're on board with the new technology.

“You don’t know who is who, and you don’t know where you are safer. So it’s better we have security more as much as we can,” shopper Dorris Ashre said.

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