Beachwood Acquires License Plate Readers For Police

BEACHWOOD, OH — Beachwood will soon acquire license plate reader technology for use by its police department.

License plate readers are cameras that scan license plates on moving cars. The cameras are equipped with technology that converts those images into data and compares the plates to information in databases, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

"We are grateful that the mayor and city council supported the purchase of license plate reader technology, and we look forward to its implementation," said Police Chief Katherine Dolan.

Beachwood Police worked with the city's information technology department to determine which license plate readers to acquire. Ultimately, Beachwood's plate readers will alert police if a scanned license plate matches a "hot list."

The city issued a statement on the acquisition, arguing that license plate reader technology will aid police investigations and help halt crimes as they happen.

"Having this technology will better align our law enforcement work with what's happening nationwide, and it will offer greater protection to our local community," said Mayor Justin Berns.