Watch: Governor Announces State Funds For License Plate Readers For Ramapo To Help Thwart Hate Crime (Video)

By Staff Reporter
Posted on 01/13/20 | News Source: Vosizneias.com

ALBANY, NY (VINnews) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced new funding to harden security infrastructure and further protect communities in and around the community of Monsey, where a man attacked a home full of Jewish worshipers on the seventh night of Hanukkah on Dec. 28, 2019.

The Governor is directing $340,000 for the village of New Square to install license plate reader technology, which was used to catch the Monsey attacker, as well as other security cameras. The Governor is directing up to $340,000 to the Town of Ramapo to install the same technology on roads in and around Monsey. The expanded New York State Hate Crimes Task Force, which the Governor announced during his 2020 State of the State address, will evaluate requests from other municipalities for license plate readers.

“The hate-fueled attack in Monsey wasn’t just repugnant to our values of inclusion and diversity – it was also illegal,” Governor Cuomo said. “We have zero tolerance for the cowards who perpetrate these vile acts of hate and will use every tool at our disposal to hold them accountable. This new technology will enhance security in vulnerable communities and serve as a deterrent for future attackers.”

Automated license plate readers are high-speed, computer-controlled camera systems that are typically mounted on street poles, streetlights, highway overpasses, mobile trailers, or police squad cars. A license plate reader on the George Washington Bridge was critical in tracking the alleged Monsey attacker, ultimately leading to his capture.

This technology automatically captures all license plate numbers that come into view, along with the location, date, and time. The data, which includes photographs of the vehicle, is then uploaded to a central server and relayed to police agencies across a wide area. The expanded Hate Crimes Task Force will evaluate requests from other municipalities for similar technology.