Oxford Adding New Tool To Help Police Crackdown On Violators

OXFORD, CT — The Board of Selectmen approved $6,173 for the purchase of plate readers for police vehicles. The matter was approved unanimously by the selectmen.

There will be two cameras per vehicle and the "readers will give important information about the vehicle owner(s)" officials said at the meeting. First Selectman George R. Temple asked Town Grant Writer Kathleen O'Nei about the status of a grant for the plate readers.

She said the town cannot receive a grant for the readers because the town has a resident state trooper. COG will not award grant money to a resident trooper town.

Plate-readers are an emerging tool for law enforcement as it will scan motorists plates and if there is an active arrest warrant it will notify the officer in real-time.