NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB) — New Haven police are set to expand their use of crime-fighting technology after securing a $750,000 federal community projects grant, according to U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro.
The city currently operates more than 300 automated license plate readers, which police have used to track suspects in cases ranging from stolen vehicles to homicides. The new funding will build on that infrastructure across three areas.
The first portion of the funding will allow the department to install additional automated license plate readers throughout the city.
The second will go toward purchasing more stop sticks which are devices placed under a vehicle’s tires to slowly deflate them during a pursuit.
The third area covers StarChaser technology, a GPS-equipped dart that can be fired at the bumper of a fleeing vehicle from a fixed position on a police cruiser or from a handheld device. The tracker allows officers to monitor the vehicle in real time without engaging in a high-speed chase.
DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat, said the investment reflects what residents expect from their local government.
“People want to know their communities are safe, and they particularly want to know police have the resources, the word ‘tool’ has been used today, to do their jobs,” DeLauro said.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said the department has increased its reliance on technology in recent years.
“We’re making a ton of progress and we’re using technology more than ever before and it’s unbelievably helpful in helping us solve crimes,” Elicker said.
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