INDIAN RIVER SHORES — Public Safety Chief Rich Rosell had expected a license-plate reader camera system to be operational by the end of May, but he did not count on red tape from highway officials.
“By June 30 we hope to be up and running,” Lt. Mark Shaw told the Shores Town Council on Wednesday.
The Florida Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over Hwy. A1A where the cameras need to be placed to capture images of vehicle tags entering and leaving the Shores. Having those cameras in FDOT right of way is a no-no, Shaw explained.
The Shores had to obtain agreements from private communities to place the four cameras — two at the south entrance to the Town and two at the north entrance.
The software and computer servers needed to process and store the images in accordance with the law, have been received.
Rosell told the council last year when members approved the plan that the cameras would mostly be used after-the-fact to solve crimes, but that they would also detect anyone with a criminal warrant, or perhaps a stolen vehicle. The sensitivity of the software program will be set by Shores law enforcement.
