INDIAN HEAD, Md. — A camera installed near the Village Green Park and Pavilion in Indian Head has raised questions after video circulated online showing it reading vehicle license plates.
The pavilion, located along Walter Thomas Road between the Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center and Indian Head Elementary School, sits on municipal property where town officials say security cameras are used to deter illegal dumping. The video, recorded near the dumpsters behind the pavilion, was shared in local Facebook groups, prompting questions about who controlled the equipment and why it was capturing tag data.
Several residents commenting on the post noted that the device appeared to be mounted near the dumpsters behind the pavilion, just outside the base area. Others questioned whether the system belonged to the base, a speed monitoring system, or equipment intended to deter illegal dumping.
The resident who shared the video initially contacted Town Hall and was told the town had no information about the camera. After The BayNet requested clarification, town staff investigated and determined the device was one of the security cameras installed on municipal property.
Town Manager Ryan Hicks confirmed on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, that one of the cameras had unexpectedly activated a feature that read vehicle license plates. He said the town contacted its alarm and security vendor, ABC Burglar Alarm Company, which verified that no data was being collected, stored or transmitted and that the feature had been disabled.
Town officials said they were unaware the camera model included a license-plate capability and believe the feature may have been activated following a recent power interruption. The town reiterated that the cameras in that area are intended only to deter illegal dumping.
Hicks confirmed the town received no data from the camera at any time.
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So dumb.. You are being watched the second you leave your house. I see you picking your nose right now.
Same people.complaining and want it down are the very same one that will say the police are useless when the information needed wasnt captured.