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Beachwood Police Department to acquire license plate reader equipment

City Council approved the plan in order 'to enhance the police department’s ability to apprehend suspects.'

BEACHWOOD, Ohio — *EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from a previous story.

Beachwood's police force is getting some more tools for its arsenal.

The department announced Tuesday it will be getting license plater reader equipment "to enhance the police department’s ability to apprehend suspects." City Council gave its final approval to the plan.

"Having this technology will better align our law enforcement work with what’s happening nationwide," Mayor Justin Berns said in a statement, "and it will offer greater protection to our local community."

The city notes how departments across the country have been implementing their own LPR methods, including in Northeast Ohio. Just three years ago, a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security allowed more officials in Cuyahoga County to adopt the technology.

Law enforcement did not indicate exactly which type of technology would be used, but said they spoke with the city's IT department to help make a decision. Once finalized, high-speed cameras will be placed at various locations across the area, notifying authorities if any plate matches a "hot list."

"We are grateful that the mayor and city council supported the purchase of the LPR technology, and we look forward to its implementation," Beachwood Police Chief Katherine Dolan wrote.

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