Stratford Police Service (SPS) are getting a financial boost for license plate recognition technology.
The Automated License Plate Reader Technology (ALPRT) system alerts police officers to stolen or expired plates, or plates registered to suspended drivers. It can also notify officers of missing and wanted persons and vehicles associated with AMBER alerts.
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced that SPS will receive nearly $170,000 in funding to incorporate the technology.
“This funding will help provide our local police services with the tools they need to improve road safety in our communities,” Rae said. “The safety of our communities is paramount, that is why this investment is so important.”
Stratford Police Chief Greg Skinner told StratfordToday that with the support of the grant money from the Province, Stratford police will be able to equip an additional six uniform patrol vehicles with ALPRT.
"This technology will contribute to ongoing public and traffic safety efforts and make the patrol time of officers more efficient and effective," Chief Skinner said.
“This investment further demonstrates our government’s plan to ensure police services across Ontario have the resources and equipment they need to keep our communities safe,” Solicitor General Michael Kerzner added in a statement.
“I am confident that this tool will be a tremendous asset to police services and help them combat incidents of auto theft and enhance public safety.”
The investment in ALPRT technology supports Ontario’s recent move to eliminate licence plate renewal fees and stickers for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds.
It allows a licence plate to be read automatically without requiring an officer to see a physical licence sticker to validate a vehicle.
The ALPRT grant is a one-time grant to help police services strengthen roadside law enforcement efforts and improve public safety across the province.
In addition to the license plate reader technology, Stratford police have recently integrated into their service body worn cameras, in-car video, digital evidence management and enhancements to CCTV (closed circuit television) to support capturing the best evidence and building public trust.
"Modern policing is expensive and the financial support of all levels of government to community safety and well being are appreciated," Chief Skinner said.
Related: Technology advancements helping Stratford Police Services: https://www.stratfordtoday.ca/local-news/technology-advancements-helping-stratford-police-services-5913261
