MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a grant of nearly $50,000 for technology that will help the Washington County Sheriff’s Office fight crime.
The funds awarded to the Washington County Commission will be used to buy four cameras that automatically capture license plate information. These cameras, known as license plate readers, will be mounted on patrol cars used by the Sheriff’s Office. The license plate images are checked against a database for information such as whether a vehicle is stolen or if the driver has outstanding warrants.
“This technology is especially helpful in rural counties where a limited number of sheriff’s deputies are tasked with patrolling and protecting a large area,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “I am pleased to make these funds available to improve crimefighting capabilities in Washington County.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant with funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“These funds will allow sheriff’s deputies to spend more time on proactive measures to keep the community safe,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of this effort to reduce crime.”
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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