Police detail license plate scanning methods at recent council meeting

In a recent Borough of Green Tree Council meeting, a significant discussion emerged regarding the status of license plate readers used by the police department. Council members clarified that the borough currently does not possess these readers, which previously allowed officers to quickly scan license plates and access vehicle histories. Instead, officers now rely on manual input into criminal search engines to obtain similar information, a process that is notably slower.

The council emphasized the importance of this technology for public safety, with one member noting that the ability to scan plates while patrolling could enhance law enforcement efficiency. However, the lack of license plate readers has raised questions about the effectiveness of current policing methods. The mayor confirmed that while the borough once had these scanners, they are no longer in use, prompting a call for further investigation into the reasons behind this change.

In addition to the discussion on police technology, the council addressed a proposal from Point Park University for a long-term lease agreement, which is expected to be revisited in August. The meeting also included acknowledgments of local services, such as the fire department's response to a recent incident and a pay increase for school crossing guards.

As the council moves forward, the implications of the license plate reader discussion could lead to a reevaluation of resources and strategies aimed at enhancing public safety in Green Tree. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential actions to address the technology gap in law enforcement capabilities.