Chatham Township Awarded $69,194 Grant to Expand Automated License Plate Recognition System

In a significant stride towards public safety, Chatham Township has secured a $69,194 grant to extend its Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. Standing among four recipients in Morris County, Chatham secured the grant through a competitive process overseen by the State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety.

The grant will propel the township's efforts to extend its existing ALPR system to two key intersections: Shunpike Road at Lafayette Avenue and Southern Boulevard at River Road. The ALPR technology, operating via high-speed, automated camera networks, empowers law enforcement to identify, locate, and recover stolen vehicles. Furthermore, it assists in dismantling auto theft networks and capturing individuals implicated in vehicle theft and associated violent crimes.

The new cameras, together with a fiber optic loop financed through a separate federal grant, will equip Chatham Township with real-time surveillance over all its critical intersections.

Chatham's Mayor, Ashley Felice, expressed her gratitude, saying, "This grant paves the way for improving the safety of our community. The ALPR system's expansion will contribute significantly to curbing auto theft in Chatham Township and subsequently minimizing the violent crime it incites."

Police Chief Tom Miller echoed these sentiments, stating, "Our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our residents and their property is bolstered by this grant. It enhances our crime prevention and resolution capabilities, cementing Chatham Township's reputation as a secure place to call home."

This grant will significantly assist law enforcement agencies across New Jersey in their battle against auto theft and the violent crimes it breeds. Chatham Township remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with law enforcement partners to ensure a safer community for all residents.