The Gary Police Department has received $264,000 in Community Projects funding secured by Democratic Rep. Frank Murban of Highland to purchase more license plate reading technology.
Mulvan announced the funding for the department Monday at the Gary Police Department Real-Time Crime Center alongside Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon and Gary Chief Ellis Dumas.
“This technology gives police departments the technology to be a magnifying glass on the scene and on the force,” Mrban said. “License plate readers are a technology that allows police departments to have eyes and ears in places that officers can’t get to.”
Cannon said the police department currently has about 170 license plate readers, including fixed cameras around the city and mobile devices like those in officers’ patrol cars.
Rep. Frank Mulvan, left, talks with Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon during a press conference Monday about the license plate reading program made possible by Community Project Funding and supported by Mulvan. (John Smiasiak/Courtesy of the Post-Tribune)
Cannon said the cameras will help track crime in the city and help prosecutors build cases against suspected criminals. The overall goal of the cameras is to reduce crime in the city.
Cannon said the $264,000 will go toward installing more license plate readers, but the department is still determining how many more readers to purchase.
“We’re honored and excited to expand the footprint we’ve already established here and be able to serve the needs of not only the citizens of Gary but the entire region,” Cannon said. “This is an opportunity for us to monitor, track and predict the city, and provide real-time information to our officers on the street.”
About two years ago, Mulvan recalled a shooting near Interstate 80/94 in Gary where police were able to use license plate reading technology to pinpoint the location of the shooter within hours of it being reported that the shooting had occurred.
Gary Police Chief Ellis Dumas explained the license plate readers during a Monday news conference about the project made possible through Community Project Funding. (John Smiaciak/Courtesy of the Post-Tribune)
Mulvan said he went on a ride-along with Gary police officers earlier this year and saw license plate reading technology being used on the front lines.
“As we move forward, this investment isn’t just about technology – it’s about building trust and ensuring the safety of all residents in the City of Gary. With these advancements, we’re not only equipping our officers with the best tools, but we’re also making it our priority to nurture our city and ensure our families, neighbors and friends are protected and their voices are heard,” Mrvan said.
Dumas said the technology will assist police officers in serving the city and its residents and ensure improved public safety in the city.
“Here in the City of Gary, public safety is our number one priority. We know that safety leads to a happy community. Our residents deserve to live in safe neighborhoods where they can grow up, raise their families and achieve their dreams without fear,” Dumas said.
akukulka@post-trib.com
First published: July 15, 2024, 4:12 PM
