More License Plate Readers Coming In Morris Co. With $963M In Federal Funding

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A $963,000 federal grant will help Morris County law enforcement officials fight auto thefts and home invasions, officials announced.

According to U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), all 15 of the community projects that she advocated for as part of this year’s federal budget cycle have been approved. President Joe Biden signed a spending package into law earlier this month, greenlighting the earmarks for the 11th District – including several in Morris County.

This particular project funding will enhance Morris County’s regional Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program, said officials. This technology can instantly alert law enforcement about stolen vehicles and wanted or missing persons, as it also helps with investigating and preventing crime.

"Public safety, and specifically combatting auto thefts, is one of the top issues I hear about from local leaders and constituents," Sherrill said in a joint news release with Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and the President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, Michael Koroski.

This money will fund installation of more fixed and mobile ALPRs to help combat auto thefts and home invasions. The Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), which maintains the network, will purchase the equipment according to officials.

Carroll thanked Sherrill for her legislative efforts "to empower law enforcement to expand the use of this vital technology, especially when it comes to stopping criminal auto theft organizations from targeting our community." He said local officials rely on legislative partners to ensure critical funding to strengthen the additional ALPR system.

Koroski, who is the chief of the Morris Plains Police Department, also thanked Sherrill and said the ALPR technology "empowers our officers to ensure better safety for our communities."

"The ALPR technology has been extremely valuable in aiding law enforcement in the prevention, detection, and investigation of crime," he said. "Morris County takes pride in its partnerships with Prosecutor Carroll, Sheriff Gannon, and the Municipal Police Chiefs that allow us to provide unparalleled police services.”

Here are the other projects in Morris County that were included in funding:

• $500,000: Hanover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Morristown, Morris Plains Whippany River Regional Improvement Initiative Phase II
• $4,116,279: Madison Drew Forest Preservation
• $750,000: Jefferson Public Sanitary Sewers Initial Army Corps Study
• $1,000,000: County College of Morris Workforce Development Center
• $850,000: Chatham Borough ECLC School Facility Renovations
• $1,000,000: Denville Community Center Renovation Project