ADDIS— The Addis Police Department has started installing new traffic cameras throughout the town to enhance public safety and assist in crime investigations. These cameras, which include license plate readers (LPRs), will help in solving traffic accidents and identifying vehicles involved in criminal activity.
Chief Jason Langlois emphasized the value of the new technology, which is already widely used in larger cities but is a significant addition for Addis.
“Sometimes you’ll have auto accidents at red lights, and it’s questionable who did what. These cameras will allow us to go back and determine how an accident took place.”
The cameras’ LPR capabilities will also help in criminal investigations. Officers can now search for vehicles based on descriptions from witnesses, even if the license plate is unclear.
“If someone reports a red Chevy pickup, for example, we can use that information to find the vehicle and potentially identify a suspect,” Langlois said.
The system operates 24/7 through Wi-Fi and stores footage for 30 days. While longer storage options are available, the town opted for the standard 30-day plan to keep costs down. Extending storage beyond 30 days would significantly raise expenses.
This $40,000 project was partially funded by a state grant under Act 397 from the fiscal year 2023. The state contributed $25,000, and the town covered the remaining $15,000. Chief Langlois expressed hope for expanding the system in the future, with plans to add cameras to key locations like River Road and collaborate with local businesses to access their camera footage for investigations.
Though Addis is a smaller town, this initiative represents a proactive move toward modernizing public safety infrastructure.
“It’s a good asset for the town,” Chief Langlois stated, noting that the new cameras will allow law enforcement to respond more effectively to both accidents and crime.
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