State Explains Delay Of Elmhurst Anti-Crime Cameras

ELMHURST, IL — A state agency this week acknowledged that Elmhurst has submitted an application for license plate reader cameras on state Route 83, but the agency has yet to approve it.

At a City Council meeting Monday, city officials said the state Department of Transportation was holding up the license plate reader cameras on Route 83. They credited the cameras for helping officers pinpoint suspects' cars in town.

In response to a Patch inquiry, the department said license plate readers proposed for installation on a state route within a state right-of-way require a permit and must follow the agency's installation guidelines.

"We must always address potential impacts on how our existing infrastructure and equipment can operate as intended," the department's spokeswoman, Maria Castaneda, said in an email.

She said the department was working with the city and its design consultant to assure permit requirements are met.

At this week's meeting, Police Chief Michael Ruth said the police have had "great success" with the cameras.

"We are chasing criminals out of town in the overnight hours and sometimes during the day. They are hitting other communities," he said.