Gary Police Deploy $264K for High-Tech License Plate Readers to Improve Safety

The Gary Police Department announced on Monday a $264,000 federal investment in advanced license plate reading systems to enhance its crime-fighting technology. 

Funded through the Community Project Funding grant program and secured by U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-1st, Gary’s representative in the U.S. House, the investment will equip Gary’s police force with both stationary and mobile camera devices.

Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon praised the investment, highlighting its dual role in deterring crime and aiding prosecutions, which he said he believes will significantly reduce crime rates.

“These federal dollars are making a direct and immediate impact,” Cannon said at Monday’s press conference.

“This provides us a real long leg when it comes to prosecution,” he said. “This prosecution arm goes eventually into crime reduction. That’s the overall goal.”

Ellis Dumas, chief of staff for Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, highlighted the administration’s commitment to public safety and its importance to the Gary community.

“Our residents deserve safe neighborhoods where they can grow, raise families and build their dreams without fear,” Dumas said. 

The department currently has 170 cameras, which are spread throughout the city as stationary and mobile devices. Of those, 73 are fixed in different sections of the city, and others collect live data in squad cars.

Mrvan, who was also on hand Monday in the GPD’s Real Time Crime Center, expressed gratitude for the city’s cooperation.

“It’s an honor to work tirelessly with partners to ensure that Gary continues to be a priority and a place where public safety and progress go hand in hand,” Mrvan said.

“The license plate readers are the technology that allows our police departments to have eyes and ears where the policemen and women can’t be,” he said. “With these advancements, we are not only equipping the officers with the best technology available, but we are also fostering our city and making it a priority to make sure our families, our neighbors and our friends are protected and are heard.”

While Cannon could not speak to the effect the cameras will have on crime numbers specifically, he recognized the benefits of the cameras extend beyond typical crime solving and have even assisted the community with missing persons cases.

“We’re honored and excited to expand the footprint that we’ve already laid down here to be able to give us the ability to meet the needs of not only the citizens of Gary, but the needs of our region,” said Cannon.