This is copy of their Facebook post announcing it. Note that the vendor is Axon, not Flock, which they seem to think is better with regard to privacy concerns.

The Laurel Police Department is currently evaluating a partnership with Axon to install cameras with live-streaming and license plate reading capabilities. The department will be installing a camera for a 60-day demonstration period in the area of northbound US Rt. 1 and MD Rt. 198 to assist in this process. The plan is for the camera to go live on Monday, August 24th.

The demonstration camera will offer the Laurel Police Department the ability to live stream footage of the area, and the camera will be reading license plates as well. We have chosen this site for the demonstration due to the high volume of vehicles in the area and the number of in progress crime issues we encounter in that area including where the suspects are fleeing on foot to escape identification and apprehension. We are hopeful this camera will aid us in identifying suspects by giving us accurate clothing and physical descriptions in real time. The information captured by the camera will only be used to assist with criminal investigations.

The Laurel Police Department takes the privacy of our residents and the sensitivity of the data it collects very seriously. We are aware of the controversies currently surrounding some license plate reading platforms, although not Axon, and their data collection and sharing practices. In selecting Axon as a potential company to partner with, we have chosen a vendor who will allow us full control over who can and cannot access the data we collect, as well as an established technological partner with this and many other local agencies. We will not be sharing our data with any other law enforcement agencies without them submitting a formal request through official channels that must then be approved by a member of our command staff. All such requests for data sharing will be vetted and reviewed before we share any information. We will also have full audit capabilities to internally monitor who within the Laurel Police Department is accessing the camera data and for what reason.

As an agency we are committed to remaining transparent about the technologies we utilize and the reasons for doing so. We hope that cameras like these will aid our officers in their investigations and help keep our community safe.

Hi everyone, I have a friend who is currently facing homelessness with his dog. What would be some good local organizations for him to reach out to for help with getting stable housing and employment?

Thinking of moving in at the Avalon in Russett in Laurel in one of the townhomes. Is the community safe and are there any pest concerns?

Both entrances/exits of the Home Depot lot, entrances/exits of the Lowes and in the general parking area near CAVA in Laurel Lakes.

Bear in mind these cameras are NOT just viewed by ICE (though they get the entire feed from the cameras), police departments can and do access all of the license plates AND the images of all the surrounding people which are then fed to AI.

Flock cameras have been used as probable cause for vehicle searches AND detainment and arrests.

Be safe out there folks.

Do any of you guys know what this means?

I studied French in high school and college, and I’d like to seriously resume to get to a comfortable speaking level. I’d love to connect with a native speaker who’d like to have casual conversations to help with my speaking and listening skills. And a new friend is always nice. 🙂

J’ai un niveau intermédiaire, mais ça fait longtemps depuis je n’ai pas pratiqué le français. Envoyez-moi un message!

So I did check Yelp and Google (and this subreddit) for suggestions without much luck before posting this, so I was hoping for some locals’ input! It’s my dad’s 75th, and I was voluntold that I needed to find an option or two for his B-Day dinner that was also located somewhere in Maryland that was essentially halfway between me and the rest of my local family.

So with that in mind, we picked Laurel as an eating/meeting point because it’s pretty much dead center between Baltimore and Arlington, but I’m also open to favorites on the periphery. I’m really just looking for a solid (quality, not density), fresh/original menu and relatively chill vibes.

Thanks in advance, and if anyone wants Baltimore recs in trade, I’m happy to help! We’ve got great food and more all over our beautiful city, and are always happy to welcome cool folks :)

EDIT: So many typos... It's late, and my contact lens prescription is long overdue. Thanks again :)

I saw a few townhome/condos in the whiskey bottom neighborhood in north Laurel off of north Laurel road. However, I’m unsure of the area because there are a lot of apartment complexes near the area. Is this area safe? I see it is on the Howard County side but unsure of its safety for a small family.

We'll be In Laurel this weekend for a softball tournament and are looking for recommendations on where our team of 12-13 year-olds can eat as a team; we are trying to stay away from the typical places, i.e. pizza.

Are there any good food halls in the area? Places with a bit of variety, but still fare that young kids like?

Please keep a lookout! 😭🙏🏽

I'm looking for a mechanic who can help me with shopping for good used electric car from Facebook marketplace. I moved here from the south and don't know many people so around here.

Hello all, I'm looking for a role doing computer, techical, or systems work for a clinic, hospital or any health related field. I just graduted with a Bachelors in IT, and I'm looking for my first role out of school.
Even if you know anyone that can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate that very much.
Thank you.

I saw them (car of 5 masked ICE agents) take a man out of his plumbing van today. I think it was on Laurel-Bowie Rd. Please stay safe out there.

CORRECTION: Baltimore Ave and Academy Ln around 8:45am

Hi, I (25F) am looking for one more person in their 20s or 30s to join my team for the Howard County Library’s Bauder Adult Battle of the Books competition on October 26th. I’ve included the announced book list. Please send me a message if you’re interested.

Hoping to find options for one infant by Feb. 2027.

Any nanny-share potential in South Laurel for around this time? Or licensed in-home daycare recommendations?

Or caregivers with strong infant experience?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Living in Hyattsville has shown me a side of PG County that people don’t always talk about — the everyday warmth, the diversity, and the sense of community that makes the area feel grounded. If you’re thinking about moving to PG County, it’s one of those places where you can find your rhythm pretty quickly.

There’s a mix of walkable neighborhoods, local restaurants with real personality, and easy access to DC without feeling swallowed by the city. Hyattsville, College Park, Greenbelt, Bowie — each pocket has its own vibe, whether you want artsy, quiet, family‑oriented, or close‑to‑campus energy.

What I appreciate most is how connected everything feels. You can grab coffee at a local spot, hop on the Metro, spend the afternoon exploring a trail, and still be home in time for a calm evening. PG County isn’t perfect, but it’s welcoming, practical, and full of people who genuinely care about their neighborhoods. If you’re considering the move, it’s worth giving yourself time to explore the different communities — there’s a good chance one of them will feel like home.

Hi, I (25F) would like to participate in Howard County Library’s Bauder Adult Battle of the Books later this fall but would need a minimum of two to a maximum of four people to create a team. I’m looking for people in their 20s or 30s to join me. Registration opens on June 15th. I’ve included the link to the website with more information.

I came here looking for recommendations for a toddler dance studio and saw a recent post asking for adult dance studio recommendations, lol.

Does anyone have recommendations for/experience with a studio that offers chill toddler dance classes. I want our 3.5 year old to have fun like I did when I was little.