Florida town turns to public CCTV

Jun 1, 2004 12:00 PM

New technology will soon track drivers who pass by waterfront mansions in Manalapan, Fla., checking their backgrounds to find wanted criminals and following up on those who are nearby when a crime occurs.

Cameras will snap pictures of drivers, their cars and their license plates, and a computer will run the tag against a criminal database. If anything suspicious is found, a dispatcher can call police.

“Most local agencies don't have the time to sit and watch who's coming and going,” Police Chief Clay Walker, one of 11 officers on the Manalapan police force, told The Associated Press. “The real potential of this is its ability to help us solve crimes.”

The 321 residents of the town have been overwhelmingly supportive, particularly after three heists this winter netted $400,000 in jewelry and goods. The town, where the average home value approaches $1 million, plans to spend about $60,000 on the camera surveillance system. It is expected to go into operation this summer.

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