Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Technology Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves license‑plate reader installations on Lafayette and Marshall corridors using JAG and VIP grants
Summary
Norristown council approved grant‑funded installations of license‑plate readers (LPRs) at Lafayette & Ford and at multiple Marshall Street intersections. The police chief said devices will integrate with existing systems and regional partners; council discussed data access, retention and legal limits on use.
Council approved two grant‑funded license‑plate reader (LPR) procurements at its Nov. 5 meeting: a JAG‑funded camera at the Lafayette & Ford Street intersection (approximate total cost $31,500 with annual fees noted) and a VIP‑funded installation extending LPR coverage across multiple Marshall Street intersections (total listed in the meeting materials $170,500). The procurements are funded through federal/state grant programs and were presented as not requiring municipal operating‑budget support for equipment costs. Some network and recurring fees (for example a Verizon connectivity fee) were noted by police staff.
Police staff said the LPR units will integrate with the department’s existing records and Viper system and will share alerts with neighboring jurisdictions in the network. The chief and staff emphasized that access and use are governed by applicable law (Act 90 referenced during discussion) and by data‑retention rules; officials said the units assist in locating stolen vehicles and in time‑sensitive investigations, Amber Alerts, and traffic pattern analysis.
Council members asked about the possibility of redeploying units if conditions change and were told the grants stipulate some siting requirements for the Marshall Street corridor for the grant period; otherwise units can be relocated subject to grant terms and equipment installation constraints. Council approved both resolutions by roll call.
