Gary, IND. – During a press conference on Monday, July 15, held at the Gary Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center, Congressman Frank Mrvan (IN-01) and Police Chief Derrick Cannon announced that the department has been awarded $264,000 in Community Project Funding. This funding will be used to acquire stationary and mobile License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras, a significant step towards modernizing the department’s policing methods and improving public safety.
Ellis Dumas, Chief of Staff for Mayor Eddie Melton, addressed the audience on behalf of the mayor, who was unable to attend. Dumas highlighted the city’s commitment to investing in advanced technology to enhance the safety of its streets. “Our goal is to ensure that our community remains safe and our neighborhoods secure, providing an environment where families can thrive without fear. We deeply appreciate the dedication of the Gary Police Department, whose officers risk their lives daily to protect our city. Your service is invaluable,” Dumas said.
Congressman Mrvan expressed his thanks to Mayor Melton and the Gary Police Department for their successful efforts in securing the funding. “I am grateful for the cooperation of Mayor Melton and the leaders within the Gary Police Department. This crucial funding will aid our law enforcement officers in their mission to maintain safety and security. I look forward to continuing our work to equip our first responders with the necessary tools and technology,” Mrvan stated.
The LPR cameras are crucial tools in contemporary policing, providing real-time data to the Gary Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center. These cameras assist officers in identifying vehicles involved in criminal activities, locating missing individuals, and recovering stolen property. Chief Cannon explained that the department currently utilizes approximately 170 cameras, with 73 fixed at specific locations and others mounted on trailers or patrol vehicles.
“Our primary aim is to enhance the quality of life for Gary’s residents. Expanding our current capabilities with these LPR cameras will help us address the needs of our community more effectively. The Real Time Crime Center not only serves Gary but is also a resource for other agencies with connections to our area, including federal, local, county, and state partners,” Chief Cannon remarked.
The funding request was part of Congressman Mrvan’s Community Project Funding submissions in the final Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bill earlier this year.
Chief Cannon also noted that this funding would significantly boost the department’s surveillance capabilities, providing officers with critical information during their responses to emergency calls. “This funding represents a major opportunity for us. It enables us to monitor the city more comprehensively and provide real-time data to our officers on the ground, improving their effectiveness. We are deeply thankful to Congressman Mrvan for this support and will ensure these resources are used to their fullest potential,” Cannon concluded.–News Desk