ELKINS — The City of Elkins will soon implement a street camera system that utilizes license plate reader technology in an effort to detect and prevent crime.
Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett issued a press release thanking officials for helping bring in federal funding for the project.
“The City of Elkins would like to thank Sen. Joe Manchin III and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito for their efforts in securing $950,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Elkins Police Department,” Bennett wrote in the release.
“This investment will allow E.P.D. to make significant technology upgrades that will greatly assist us in protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Elkins and our visitors. The most notable portion of this project will be the implementation of a street camera system utilizing license plate reader technology.
“Systems such as these have proven to be very effective at assisting law enforcement agencies in preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activity,” Bennett wrote. “This system will also provide valuable assistance in non-criminal tasks such as traffic crash investigation, missing persons, and monitoring roadway conditions during inclement weather.
“The Elkins Police Department is committed to
providing the safest atmosphere possible for our residents, businesses, and
guests. We are extremely thankful to receive this funding and look forward to
implementing this project in the near future,” Bennett wrote.