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Pompton Lakes administration previews license‑plate readers at borough entrances; some residents question scope and costs
Summary
Administrator Michael told council the borough is considering license‑plate‑reader cameras at all town entrances as a crime‑prevention tool and is pursuing intermunicipal cost‑sharing; residents raised questions about necessity, scope and enforcement at a public comment period.
Pompton Lakes officials said on Oct. 9 they expect to bring a proposal to install license‑plate‑reader (LPR) cameras at borough entrances and at several parks, and that the borough is discussing cost‑sharing with neighboring municipalities.
"We are looking to install LPRs, license plate readers, at all of our entrances to Pompton Lakes," Administrator Michael said, adding that the police chief supports LPRs as a crime‑prevention tool and that the borough will work with adjacent towns to split costs. He listed candidate locations including Colfax Ave at Oakland, Ringwood Ave at Waunakee and Riverdale Road at Riverdale.
During public comment, resident Randy asked why cameras were needed at every entrance and whether the proposal followed an increase in local crime. "What is the reason for this? Is this increased crime or increased fears?" he asked, and also raised separate safety concerns about large trucks running stop signs at a local intersection.
Council members and administrators responded that LPRs can help identify vehicles flagged in law‑enforcement systems — for example, vehicles associated with active warrants — and that the borough would continue local patrols to address risky driving at problem intersections. Administrator Michael said the borough will present a formal camera proposal at a future meeting and expects to return to the governing body before Christmas with vendor details and a cost‑sharing plan.
Council members asked about specific park coverage and restroom access; Michael said the vendor has scoped camera coverage for play areas, benches and parking lots and that restroom timing/locking mechanisms could be included in facility specifications. Council agreed to discuss the item further at the Oct. 23 workshop and in subsequent meetings.
