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Wash. Co. Police Cars To Go High-Tech

NORTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - Police in Washington County are introducing new technology that will allow them to scan license plates.

The technology will also allow them to obtain information about the driver.

"Today we announce the most significant technological advancement in police work in the county. The acquisition of a leading edge tool," Washington County District Attorney Steven Toprani said.

The Automatic License Plate Recognition System utilizes cameras mounted on the cars.

"The system consists of cameras mounted to patrol units sharing a secure and encrypted server that is located in a participating agency. The cameras take digital photos of nearby license plates, convert them to text and then search that text against known databases of criminal offenders," Toprani said.

The cameras are constantly capable of finding, seeing and identifying license plates.

"We can search for stolen vehicles, wanted persons, missing children through Amber Alerts," Toprani said.

The ALPR units will be installed in Washington County thanks to a $220,000 federal grant.

"It takes a lot of guesswork out of it. Efficiency and safety is what I see here," South Strabane Township Police Chief Don Zofchak said.

The units will be installed in various departments in the county over the next couple of months. The hope is to have each squad car equipped eventually.

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