Edina begins trial run of ALPR cameras

Photo: ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

EDINA — The Edina City Council approved a 45-day trial of automated license plate reader cameras as city officials seek additional tools for police investigations.

Police Chief David Dudley presented the proposal at the council’s July 13 meeting. He said the cameras capture license plate information, not images of drivers or passengers.

“It’s been great. It’s a great investigative tool,” Dudley said. “The motoring public doesn’t have — they don’t show the person, don’t show any occupants or anything. It just catches the plate.”

The city will receive the cameras at no cost during the trial. If officials decide to buy the system, Dudley said each camera would cost about $2,400.

The company would handle installation. The city could use its Blue Shield grant to pay for the purchase, Dudley said.

The system will alert authorized law enforcement users when it detects a vehicle linked to a stolen vehicle, wanted person or other law enforcement notification.

Council members discussed privacy concerns before approving the trial. Dudley said only authorized law enforcement personnel will have access to the system. He also said the cameras will collect license plate information only.

Turn-Key Security, a Jefferson City-based company, installed two cameras on Wednesday, July 29.

Jake Leonard, Executive Editor-In-Chief

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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