April 10, 2024 / By mobanmarket
DARIEN, CT — The Darien Police Department is looking to install 13 stationary license plate reader cameras around town to keep tabs on criminal activity.
Capt. Alison Hudyma went before the Board of Selectmen on Monday, and the board voted to approve a bid waiver for the equipment and endorsed adding the request to the fiscal year 2025 budget.
The meeting was held at Town Hall and broadcast via Darien TV79.
“We are looking to put stationary license plate readers throughout town, usually somewhere into or exiting the town, so we can pick up on criminal activity while it’s happening in real-time,” Hudyma said.
Many towns in Fairfield County already utilize license plate readers, Hudyma said, and Darien has often used footage and data from cameras in Bridgeport, New Canaan and Stamford while conducting investigations.
The board expressed support for the cameras.
“Based on the briefings I’ve heard, I think this is an excellent and timely investment and will help all of you in enumerable ways on all kinds of things, and it’s consistent with best practices that we’re seeing in other towns,” First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said.
The cameras would be leased from Flock Group Inc., which services the equipment and performs necessary maintenance and updates.
Hudyma explained that the cameras take snapshots of rear license plates and give vital information to police.
“What type of vehicle it is, what color, any stickers that you can figure out which car it is, and if it’s involved in criminal activity — felonies, stolen vehicles, Amber alerts, which isn’t a crime but we need to know about that, any serious crimes, domestic violence,” Hudyma added.
Click Here: canterbury-bankstown bulldogs jersey
Flock was chosen after “extensive research” by the department, Hudyma noted. She said the company’s technology integrates with current equipment already being used, such as body cameras and the database where videos and reports are stored.
The DPD would enter into a five-year contract with Flock, and the cost is $47,300 for the first year, which includes installation, and then $39,500 per year after that.
Town Administrator Kate Buch said the department has asked the Board of Finance to add the request to the fiscal year 2025 budget.
View Monday’s entire Board of Selectmen meeting on demand here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Categories: