Freeport police seek state and federal funds to expand license-plate readers, gunshot detection and live video

Freeport Police Chief Shenberger presented a technology package the department is pursuing to aid shots-fired and other criminal investigations and said purchases would be funded by a mix of a recently awarded organized retail crime (ORC) grant and pending federal appropriations.

Shenberger said the city was awarded $9,000 from an ORC grant from the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and that staff requested approximately $630,000 in fiscal-year appropriations from a U.S. senator's office to fund additional equipment. The package presented to council included funds for expanded gunshot-detection coverage, more live video and license-plate reader (LPR) capacity, body-worn cameras and a mobile command trailer. Shenberger said vendors and partners include LPR vendors and technology providers used by law enforcement.

The presentation itemized planned or requested expenditures that the chief said the appropriations would fund: roughly $200,000 to fund two existing gunshot-detection coverage areas for two years; $60,000 for a resource-router program for two years; $69,200 to lease a live-video camera trailer and a radar trailer with LPR capability; about $28,988 to purchase 20 additional body-worn cameras; $9,309.90 for two additional squad video cameras and DVRs; $30,000 for a Skydio X10 drone; $100,000 to lease additional onboard plate readers for two years; and $130,000 for a mobile command trailer. Shenberger said the ORC grant would cover the initial $9,000 payment due December 1 if council moved forward and that the larger appropriations award would be contingent on Congress and the appropriations process.

"The use of LPR cameras and gunshot detection have significantly helped the PD staff with shots fired investigations," Shenberger said, noting the technology's role in recovering stolen vehicles and investigating serious felonies. He told the council that staff will seek a resolution if the appropriation request is awarded; if the appropriation does not pass, Shenberger said the city would not be financially committed beyond the ORC grant award.

Council members asked about contingency plans if federal appropriations did not pass and how any purchases would be paid for; the chief said the package is contingent on appropriations and the ORC grant covers an early payment to begin work. He said staff will bring a formal resolution to the council if and when appropriations are secured.

No council vote was taken on the item at the meeting; the presentation was informational and the chief said staff would bring a resolution contingent on appropriations if the funds were received.