Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Burlington seeks federal JAG funding for license-plate readers; Des Moines County signs interlocal agreement
Summary
Burlington police presented an Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant application of about $15,000 to buy 12 license-plate readers; the board approved an interlocal agreement to allow the city to pursue grant funds and coordinate with the sheriff's office.
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved an interlocal agreement on Oct. 8 that allows the Burlington Police Department to pursue an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) of approximately $15,000 to purchase license-plate reader equipment.
At a presentation to the board, Burlington police leadership described a planned deployment of 12 license-plate readers at key city entry and exit points. The presenter said the county would have no expenditure obligation under the current agreement; the interlocal arrangement permits data-sharing discussions with the sheriff if the program is implemented.
Why it matters: License-plate readers are used by many law enforcement agencies to assist investigations and crime detection. The city official said the technology would support investigations, improve operational efficiency and allow the department to better allocate resources.
Details from the presentation: The presenter said the program's primary goals are enhanced crime detection and prevention, countywide investigative support and improved operational efficiency. If awarded and with additional site funding, the presenter anticipated the system could be up and running by July 2025. The presenter listed several regional agencies already using similar systems. "If you're not familiar with them, they simply read license plates. Only people who should fear license plate readers are those who are committing crimes in our community," the presenter said.
Board action: The board moved to approve the interlocal agreement and recorded affirmative votes. The agreement was signed following the meeting and copies will be routed through the auditor's office per the presenter.
Next steps: If the grant is awarded and installation funding is secured, county and city staff will meet to determine levels of data access and participation by the sheriff's office; no program funding or deployment timeline was finalized by the board in this session.
