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Federal Funding Enhances Morris County's Fight Against Auto Theft with Advanced Surveillance Tools.
3-20-2024 3:37pm
Morris County Secures Nearly $1 Million for Crime Prevention Technology
Morris County, New Jersey, has received a significant boost in its ongoing battle against auto theft and related crimes, thanks to a substantial federal grant.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), and Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski, President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association (MCPCA), have announced the receipt of $963,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF).
This funding aims to augment the county’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program, a pivotal component in the region's crime prevention and citizen assistance efforts.
The grant is part of 15 CPF requests submitted for Fiscal Year 2024, which have successfully passed through the House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate, and received the President's signature.
The allocated funds are earmarked to purchase additional fixed and mobile ALPR units. These units are crucial in tackling the auto thefts and increased home invasions plaguing the community.
The Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is tasked with purchasing this equipment and ensuring the network's expansion and effectiveness.
Representative Mikie Sherrill highlighted the importance of cutting through bureaucratic hurdles to secure funding for essential community projects. She emphasized public safety and the fight against auto theft as paramount concerns relayed by local leaders and constituents.
"With this Community Project funding, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office will be able to support local law enforcement with additional Automated License Plate Reader mobile and fixed units to address the rise in auto thefts and associated home invasions," Sherrill stated.
Representative Mikie Sherrill extended her gratitude to Prosecutor Carroll, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement for their dedication to community safety.
Prosecutor Carroll expressed his appreciation for Representative Sherrill's legislative efforts, which enable the expansion of this critical technology in combating criminal auto theft organizations.
"We rely on our legislative partners to assist with securing the critical funding needed to acquire additional ALPRs and strengthen our existing system," Carroll remarked.
Chief Koroski conveyed the collective gratitude of Morris County's police chiefs for the secured funding. He lauded the ALPR technology for its role in crime prevention, detection, and investigation.
"The technology allows instantaneous alerts of stolen vehicles and wanted and missing persons, empowering our officers to ensure better safety for our communities," Koroski said.
Chief Koroski also praised the collaborative efforts between Prosecutor Carroll, Sheriff Gannon, and the Municipal Police Chiefs in providing unparalleled police services to Morris County.
This federal grant represents a significant advancement in Morris County's public safety measures, underscoring a committed effort from federal, state, and local entities to safeguard the community against rising crime rates.
