Council President Scott on BPD Announcement of 15 New License Plate Reader Units to Address Carjacking Increase

Council President Scott on BPD Announcement of 15 New License Plate Reader Units to Address Carjacking Increase

License Plate Readers Proven Technology to Address Carjackings, Thefts & Violent Crime 

BALTIMORE, MD (December 2, 2019) — Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott released the following statement on the increase in carjackings in Baltimore: 

"Reducing violent crime in Baltimore is my top priority. We must employ effective tools in that fight. That is why – with carjackings up 22% this year in Baltimore – I am grateful for BPD’s follow-through on adding more license plate reader units to the city’s fleet. This is a request I’ve been making for months now, and one that will contribute to the safety of our communities.

At Tuesday’s monthly police oversight hearing, Commissioner Harrison informed the Council of a new deployment of license plate readers, a technology that is effective at identifying stolen vehicles. By January 1, 2020, fifteen additional fixed license plate readers will be deployed across the city. This brings the total number of units operating citywide from 20 to 35. 

In neighborhoods across the city, I hear concern about an increase in carjackings and other violent crimes. People should be able to feel safe in their city and their own neighborhoods. We have to remain vigilant in the fight to keep all of our communities safe and use our resources in the smartest and most effective way possible.

Further investment in this technology is needed, particularly to increase the number of car-mounted units available to our officers. Still, this is a step in the right direction. We must continue our focus on approaches that are proven to reduce violent crime."