COEUR d'ALENE - Some Kootenai County drivers might be surprised to learn the cameras pointing down at them at many local traffic intersections are not for policing.

The devices are generally used to help maintain the steady flow of traffic.

In Kootenai County, there are two distinct camera styles attached to traffic lights. Both are owned by the Idaho Transportation Department and have similar but separate purposes.

The cameras that are single units attached to the tops of traffic signal arms are used for vehicle detection. They do not produce an image. The cameras constantly scan an area to determine when a vehicle is approaching an intersection. Through the detection cameras, ITD is able to keep the traffic flowing and signal patterns changing according to traffic conditions at the time.

"On ITD's system in Kootenai County, there are 61 signalized intersections. There is one detection camera per approach," said Robert Nettleton of ITD District 1 Traffic Services. "If more detection is needed, another camera is added to that approach for advance detection."

The other cameras people may see are real-time, non-recording streaming video monitored by ITD. Those cameras generally hang from an area near the signal and are usually encased in a dark plastic ball.

"If we get a complaint that a signal's not working, we don't have to physically go to a location," Nettleton said. "Instead, we can pull up the live video and monitor the situation."

Nettleton said neither of the cameras are the same as "red light cams," which are used to ticket drivers who run red lights. He said as far as he knows, legislation would have to pass for those types of cameras, and he doesn't believe that will happen any time in the near future.

Idaho State Police, Post Falls Police, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and Coeur d'Alene Police all have access to the video ITD's cameras capture, while none of the departments own cameras independent of the ITD system.

ISP Public Information Officer Teresa Baker said the ITD cameras stream on a monitor at the ISP communications center.

Baker said the non-recording cameras could be useful during a pursuit, but she doesn't think they have been used to deter or solve any crimes.

"Our dispatchers can assist troopers with the location of calls for service if they need to," Baker said. "To the extent that they are able to see an area."