ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – Police in Atlantic City are getting license plate readers.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced an investment in public safety for Atlantic City, with over $1 million in funding allocated for the installation of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology. This initiative, supported by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS), and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), aims to bolster law enforcement capabilities in identifying and combating auto theft, violent crime, and assisting in missing persons cases.
The ALPR system, which utilizes high-speed cameras to capture and analyze license plate data, will be strategically placed across Atlantic City. This technology allows for the rapid identification of stolen vehicles, the disruption of auto theft rings, and aids in the investigation of various crimes. The project, initiated in May 2023, is expected to see the deployment of 120 ALPR units in the coming months, with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) managing the installation and operation.
Information captured by the ALPR units will be shared in real-time with relevant law enforcement agencies, enhancing coordination and response to criminal activity. Attorney General Platkin emphasized the critical role of ALPR technology in reducing crime rates and ensuring the safety of Atlantic City’s residents and visitors.
Acting Commissioner of DCA, Jacquelyn A. Suárez, highlighted the technology’s ability to foster collaboration among law enforcement at all levels, while Colonel Patrick J. Callahan of the NJSP attested to the ALPR system’s proven effectiveness in aiding crime prevention and investigation efforts. This initiative reflects New Jersey’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to improve public safety and maintain Atlantic City’s reputation as a secure and welcoming destination.