Weeks after city commissioners approved use of automated license plate readers, the Dayton Police Department said officers are expected to begin using them Friday in its roughly 120 police cruisers.
The in-cruiser cameras can scan license plates then issue alerts if the vehicles have been reported stolen, were connected to other crimes or their registered owners are wanted on felony or domestic violence warrants, police said.
Police say they are activating and testing the units this week and plan to go live Friday.
#HEADSUP - The mobile Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) units in all Dayton police cruisers are being rolled out this week. Members of our tech unit are activating & testing the ALPRs with the goal to ‘go live’ this Friday, August 12th pic.twitter.com/unjDI8fKy5
— Dayton Police Dept. (@DaytonPolice) August 9, 2022
Some residents objected to the plan and urged city commission to reject the readers, which opponents say can be misused or result in over-policing.
Police say plate readers help identifying and recovering stolen cars.
Dayton City Commission voted 3 to 2 on July 20 to allow the use of the automated readers.
About the Author