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EL MONTE (CNS) - The city of El Monte has approved the purchase of nearly $500,000 worth of new technology for its police department, including 38 automated license plate readers for placement around the city.
"The city is committed to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of our police department with the investment in additional technological assets to increase public safety," said El Monte City Manager Alma Martinez.
The total cost of the new technology will be $499,300. The city will use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and the city's Asset Forfeiture Funding, Martinez said.
"These purchases can be supported and funded without creating a fiscal impact on the city's budget," Martinez said.
The automated license plate readers are advanced camera systems that will be strategically placed on points of entry and exit and at major intersections throughout the city. The cameras capture license plate numbers along with the date, time and location.
Officials also authorized the purchase of four Raven Audio Gunshot Detection Devices, which can detect gunshots and identify the source of the sound. The devices work with the automated license plate readers, and will help El Monte police officers responding to calls for service.
"These cutting-edge technologies will significantly enhance our ability to prevent and investigate crime, which will help us keep our community safer," said El Monte police Chief Jake Fisher.